Hollandse penning van Floris V, 1256-1296 1256 - 1258

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin, a Hollandse penning van Floris V, dating back to between 1256 and 1258. It’s surprisingly small, but there’s something captivating about holding a piece of history like this. What significance would this coin have had, back in its day? Curator: It’s tempting to think of this coin solely in terms of monetary value, but its significance extends far beyond mere currency. In the context of Floris V's reign, minting coinage was an act of asserting power. Consider the very act of putting his image on it. Editor: So it's propaganda? Curator: In a way, yes, a declaration of authority and an attempt to unify his territory. The circulation of coins was closely tied to trade routes and political influence. It’s crucial to remember how few people had access to formal portraits. This coin might be the only ‘image’ many would see of their leader. Editor: That’s fascinating! It was a method of communication, not just about trade but about projecting an image of power to his subjects. Were there specific artistic trends influencing its design? Curator: Absolutely. Even within the small dimensions, you can observe conventions of medieval iconography. The imagery and inscriptions would have followed certain protocols understood, consciously or unconsciously, by the population. How do you think that influences our perspective, centuries later? Editor: It forces me to look beyond my own aesthetic biases. It’s easy to dismiss it as a simple, functional object, but you’ve really shed light on how integral this penning would be for commerce, power, and communicating across social lines in the 13th century. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, objects like these open a portal to understanding the dynamics between leadership and social image during that period.