Utrechtse halve zilveren rijder, 1786 1786

This Utrechtse halve silveren rijder was produced in 1786 in the province of Utrecht. Minted from silver, the coin’s form and markings were achieved through striking, a method of imprinting a design by hammering or pressing a die onto a metal blank. Silver’s inherent qualities of malleability and durability made it an ideal material for currency, allowing for detailed impressions and long-lasting use. The images on the coin – a knight on horseback, a heraldic shield – evoke power, stability, and regional identity, visually reinforcing the coin’s value as a medium of exchange. The production of this coin involved various skilled labourers: the die engraver who created the original design, the mint workers who prepared the silver and operated the striking machinery, and the officials who oversaw the process. Each coin embodies a network of social relations and economic activities. By considering the material, making, and context of this coin, we can appreciate its significance as more than just currency; it’s a material artifact embedded with cultural and historical meaning.