Vijfreisstuk, Portugese munt of duit ter waarde van vijf reis c. 1590 - 1596

This is a Vijfreisstuk, a Portuguese coin, made by an anonymous artist. The coin is primarily composed of earthy browns and muted greens, which suggest age and wear. Its circular form, though slightly irregular, speaks to its intended function as a unit of currency. An indiscernible design, likely a heraldic emblem, occupies the coin's center, and it seems to be enclosed within a shield. The coin's materiality is fundamental to its meaning. The weathering and corrosion are not merely imperfections; instead, they communicate a history of circulation, handling, and exchange. The slightly worn condition destabilizes the coin's original value. It transforms it into an object of historical curiosity. Consider how the abstract marks and discoloration create a unique visual language, inviting viewers to interpret its fragmented narrative. In essence, the coin's formal qualities—shape, color, texture—serve as potent signifiers, reflecting a complex interplay of commerce, culture, and time.