Zeeuwse tien stuiver, 1611 1611

This is a silver "tiens Stuiver" coin, minted in Zeeland in 1611, that encapsulates the region's maritime identity through potent symbols. Dominating the coin is the Zeeland coat of arms, featuring a lion emerging from the waves. This symbolizes strength and resilience rising from the sea, a vital element to Zeeland's economy and defense. The lion motif, powerful and emotive, appears in many contexts throughout European history, such as on the English royal arms, where it signifies courage and nobility. Yet, here, its aquatic emergence distinguishes it. Consider how the sea, often a symbol of the unconscious, gives birth to this heraldic beast. It evokes a collective memory of humanity's complex relationship with the ocean; a source of sustenance, danger, and the unknown. As the tides of time flow, this image of maritime power continues to resurface, illustrating our enduring, subconscious connection to the elemental forces that shape our world.