Verbranden van de theoloog Michael Servet te Geneve 1553

This small coin commemorates the burning of the theologian Michael Servetus in Geneva. Though anonymously produced, this metal object speaks volumes about the social and political climate of 16th-century Europe. On one side, we see a depiction of Servetus being burned at the stake, a stark reminder of the religious intolerance that characterized the era. The other side bears an inscription, reinforcing the condemnation of Servetus's theological views. Switzerland in the 1500s, under the influence of figures like John Calvin, was deeply embroiled in religious reform. Institutions like the church and the local government held immense power, shaping social norms and suppressing dissenting voices. The creation and circulation of this coin reflects the politics of imagery at the time. These served as tools for shaping public opinion and reinforcing dominant ideologies. Historical archives, theological texts, and studies of the Reformation era are crucial resources for understanding the complex social and institutional forces that influenced the creation and meaning of this coin.