Hollandse groot van Karel V, 1506-1555 1506 - 1520

This is a ‘Hollandse groot’ of Karel V, or Charles V of Habsburg, dating back to the first half of the 16th century. Charles V reigned over a vast European empire at a time of immense political, religious and social upheaval. This small coin speaks volumes about identity and power. Consider the weight of the title ‘Emperor’ and ‘King’ for Charles V, who saw himself as a divinely appointed ruler during the Protestant Reformation. Minting and circulating coinage was an exercise of control, influencing not just the economic, but the social and cultural landscape. The symbols and inscriptions on coins were carefully selected to project a certain image of the ruler and the realm. The act of holding this coin asks us to think about the narratives of wealth, power, and authority that it represents. It is a tactile connection to a distant past, and perhaps a moment to reflect on how those narratives continue to shape our present.