Halve plak van de Drie Steden, 1575 1575

This is a "Halve plak van de Drie Steden," crafted in 1575 by the Drie Steden. The piece is a small, unassuming coin, yet its form speaks volumes. The muted tones and worn texture create an immediate sense of age and history, evoking a sense of mystery. The circular shape, though imperfect due to wear, provides a basic structure upon which symbolic elements are arranged. Lines and shapes, seemingly simple at first glance, suggest deeper meanings when considered in their historical context. The coin's design, with its arrangement of symbols and text, operates as a semiotic system. Each element likely held specific meaning, communicating power, trade relations, or civic identity. The coin's small size and unassuming material belie its function as a potent symbol of economic and political exchange. It prompts questions about how value is assigned and how objects, even small ones, can embody complex cultural codes.