Hollands vuurijzer van Maria van Bourgondië, 1481 1481

This silver 'vuurijzer' or fire iron was commissioned in Holland by Mary of Burgundy in 1481. Central to the coin's design is the heraldic emblem, replete with symbols of power and lineage. The fire iron, depicted in the coin’s center, transcends its practical function. As an emblem, it echoes the ancient symbolism of fire, representing vitality and transformation. We see similar symbols in ancient Zoroastrian fire temples where fire is a divine presence. The act of striking fire, generation, links back to primordial images of creation and renewal, a theme that resonates across cultures, from Prometheus gifting fire to humanity to the eternal flames guarded by the Vestal Virgins. The heraldic symbols on the coin remind us of the emotional and psychological weight attached to family and tradition. This cyclical journey of symbols shows us how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts, continually engaging us on a subconscious level.