Overwinningen van Karel V, Duits keizer, in de oorlog tegen Frankrijk, rekenpenning van de raad van Financien 1521

This is an anonymous coin depicting the victories of Charles V in his war against France. Its small size belies the enormous power struggles of the 16th century, as well as the outsized role of the Holy Roman Empire in the lives of so many. On one side, we see Charles V in a triumphal chariot, a classical reference meant to legitimize his imperial ambitions. On the other side, the double-headed eagle, emblem of the Habsburg dynasty, further emphasizes the concentration of power in the hands of a select few. The creation and circulation of such medallions underscore the importance of propaganda in shaping public opinion and consolidating power. As you consider this coin, think about how such objects reinforced social hierarchies. In whose hands did it end up? What did it mean to different people across gender, race and class? Despite its smallness, it speaks volumes about the era's grand narratives.