Filips II, koning van Spanje, rekenpenning van de rekenkamer van Bourgondië te Dole Possibly 1562 - 1568

This bronze coin depicts Filips II, King of Spain, and was made for the Chamber of Accounts of Burgundy in Dole. The tactile quality of the coin invites an examination of its formal structure and symbolic resonance. The coin's circular form dictates its composition, divided into obverse and reverse. On one side, heraldic symbols interlace with ornate foliage, creating a dense, almost labyrinthine visual field. The other presents a shield surmounted by a crown, encapsulating power within geometric precision. The artist uses a semiotic system, visually articulating claims of sovereignty through established codes. The coin presents a discourse on power, encapsulating the tensions between centralized authority and regional identity. Consider how the coin’s function as currency informs its design. It serves not only as a medium of exchange, but also a form of propaganda, using visual language to legitimize Filips II’s rule. The circular boundary of the coin underscores the reach and limits of this authority, prompting reflection on the symbolic boundaries of power and representation.