Nijmeegse duit 1618 - 1620

Editor: So, this is a Nijmeegse duit, made sometime between 1618 and 1620. It’s a small, metal coin, quite worn with age. Looking at it, I can’t help but feel a connection to the past – a tangible piece of history right here. What strikes you when you look at this coin? Curator: Well, beyond its monetary value, I see a potent symbol of power and identity. This wasn’t just a coin; it was a statement. How does this particular coin connect to the larger narrative of Dutch identity and commerce in the early 17th century? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn’t really considered it in terms of Dutch identity, more just a form of currency. Is the imagery on the coin particularly significant? Curator: Absolutely. Consider what symbols are displayed and who decided upon those. We might ask, what societal structures allowed them to decide and what narratives were they hoping to convey? Money always tells a story about power. Think of the portraits and figures chosen for contemporary coins. What do they represent about our values? Editor: So it's not just about trade; it's also about projecting an image of authority. It’s like a tiny piece of propaganda, in a way. Curator: Precisely! And think about the metal itself – where did it come from? Who mined it? Who profited? These questions tie the coin to a global network of extraction and exploitation, reminding us that even something small can have far-reaching implications. It causes us to confront difficult questions about power, exploitation, and the construction of identity. Editor: I guess I was focused on the age and the craftsmanship, but I see now that it's a much richer object than I initially thought. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. This humble coin is not so humble. It’s a reminder to always consider the wider societal forces at play, even within something as seemingly simple as a coin.