Schutterij van Leiden 1689

This is a silver coin of the Leiden Civic Guard, crafted by Jan Smeltzing in the late 17th century. A crowned lion brandishing a sword dominates one side, its posture and the inscription "Pro Patria" evoking ideas of courage and patriotic defense. The lion, a symbol of strength and royalty since antiquity, is ubiquitous throughout history. We see it guarding the thrones of ancient Mesopotamian rulers and, later, adorning the shields of medieval knights. Here, it transcends mere heraldry to become an embodiment of civic virtue and the will to protect one's homeland. Note how the lion bears a sword, a symbol that has, over time, been transformed from a symbol of aggression and violence to a symbol of defense and righteous power. The collective memory of the people who saw this symbol would have subconsciously related it to power. The use of such symbols taps into a deep well of human experience. These symbols, though altered by time and context, echo across history, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and revealing the enduring power of cultural memory.