Hollandse penning van Jan I, 1296-1299 1298 - 1299

This is a Hollandse penning van Jan I, dating from 1296 to 1299, crafted under the authority of Jan I, the Count of Holland. Imagine being a young ruler like Jan I, who ascended to power at a tender age, and died at just fifteen. In the late 13th century, currency was more than just a medium of exchange; it was a declaration of power, an assertion of identity. Each strike of the metal was a statement about his legitimacy and the future he hoped to build. Consider the weight of this coin, both literally at 0.60 grams, and figuratively. What did it mean to the people who bartered with it? Think about the daily lives of the common folk, whose livelihoods were directly impacted by the economic policies enacted by young Jan I. How did this coin shape their sense of belonging and identity within the County of Holland? This penning serves as a potent reminder of the intricate interplay between personal ambition, political power, and the everyday experiences of people long gone.