Dubbele schelling van Cornelius van Bergen, prins-bisschop van Luik 1538 - 1544

This double shilling of Cornelius van Bergen, Prince-Bishop of Liège, was struck anonymously. Money, an emblem of power and identity, was more than mere currency in its time. It acted as a potent symbol of sovereignty and status. Cornelius van Bergen, wielding both religious and secular authority, navigated a complex web of political alliances. The very act of minting coins was a statement, asserting control and economic stability in a region often beset by turmoil. Consider the weight of this small disc. It was a tool of propaganda, reinforcing the image of a ruler during times of religious reformation and social change. This coin presents a traditional representation of power. It served as a constant reminder of the established order, yet was also a marker of an evolving society grappling with new ideas. In holding power, this coin offered a promise of stability during an era of immense transformation. Its worth goes beyond monetary value, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between governance, identity, and the everyday lives of the people it once served.