Allegorie op de verdediging van de Bommeler- en Tielerwaard door Maurits, graaf van Nassau 1599

This small silver coin commemorates Maurits, Count of Nassau’s defense of Bommeler- and Tielerwaard, yet its creation involved more than just artistry; it reflects the intricate dance between skill, labor, and commerce. Coins like these were not merely stamped out; they were the product of a lineage of metalworking expertise, using techniques passed down through generations of artisans. The process of die-striking, cutting, and engraving required painstaking precision and technical prowess. While it celebrates a military victory, the coin also speaks to a wider social context. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can carry immense cultural weight, embodying the values, aspirations, and power structures of their time. So, when you look at this coin, consider its material, making, and context, and question the traditional distinctions between craft, design, and fine art.