Zutphense ruiterschelling, 1691 1691

Editor: Here we have the Zutphense ruiterschelling, a coin from 1691 crafted from metal, probably an engraving. It depicts a knight on horseback on one side and what appears to be a coat of arms on the other. Given its age and apparent wear, what's particularly interesting to you about this piece? Curator: It's the tangible connection to material conditions and social exchange in Zutphen at the end of the 17th century. How many hands did this coin pass through? Whose labor was involved in mining the metal, refining it, striking the coin? The seemingly simple act of making money conceals complex systems of production and power. What do you think this particular piece tells us about the role of such imagery in solidifying or contesting social authority? Editor: That’s fascinating – I hadn’t considered the full extent of labor involved! Thinking about the imagery, does the depiction of a knight suggest anything specific about Zutphen’s values or self-image at that time? Curator: Absolutely. It points towards a glorification of martial power and perhaps a desire for security and autonomy. Yet, we must ask: Who benefited most from the circulation of this image and this coin? Was this image a rallying cry, or simply a tool to lubricate trade? To answer, one must investigate archival records of minting practices and trading patterns. Do we see the wealth represented reflected across Zutphen society, or only concentrated? Editor: So, understanding the coin isn't just about aesthetics, it's about unpacking the socio-economic and historical context around its production and use? Curator: Precisely. Each scratch, each imperfection on the surface is a mark of use and circulation, part of the lived history embedded in the material itself. It highlights the intrinsic connection of commodity, power, and image-making in our globalised reality. Editor: This gives me a whole new appreciation for numismatics beyond just collecting! I’ll never look at a coin the same way. Curator: Good. Examining art, as a series of processes, allows us to critically asses and comprehend the economic and cultural factors that define human development and social constructs across diverse epochs.