Filips V, koning van Spanje, hertog van Brabant 1703

This small silver coin presents us with a fascinating glimpse into the politics of identity and power in early modern Europe. Struck by an anonymous artist, it depicts Philip V, King of Spain and Duke of Brabant. The coin not only represents political power but also embodies cultural and historical tensions. Philip V, a Bourbon, became king of Spain in 1700, a move that upset the existing European balance of power. The title of Duke of Brabant also signified the complex and contested claims over territories in the Low Countries. The portrait of Philip V, with its idealised profile and elaborate wig, speaks to the construction of royal identity. On the other side of the coin, the coat of arms symbolises dynastic ambitions and colonial reach. As you reflect on this coin, consider how objects, even small ones, can reveal larger histories of empire, identity, and power.