Halve daalder, noodmunt uit Groningen, geslagen tijdens het beleg (voorzien van het portret van Karl Rabenhaupt) 1672

Editor: Here we have a "Halve Daalder", a metal coin made in Groningen in 1672 during a siege, bearing a portrait of Karl Rabenhaupt. The diamond shape is rather unusual, and the engravings seem a bit rough around the edges. What strikes you about this object? Curator: The roughness is key. This wasn’t minted for aesthetic pleasure, but for pragmatic purposes under duress. The piece embodies socio-political forces: war, siege, survival. Editor: So, its primary function was purely monetary? Curator: Not purely. It was also a statement. Currency often becomes a propaganda tool, and representing Rabenhaupt on it solidified his authority and boosted morale within the besieged city. Think about the iconography on modern currency - what does it communicate about national identity and power? Editor: I guess portraying leadership during conflict would definitely project strength to citizens, as well as enemies. Was the act of creating this "emergency money" a common practice? Curator: Precisely. Necessity dictates invention, as the adage goes. Throughout history, during wars or times of hardship, communities lacking official resources have resorted to such measures. They needed to sustain their economy within their walls, so creating their own, albeit rough currency, served this exact purpose. How does seeing this everyday object reframed through historical and political contexts shift your understanding of its worth? Editor: It definitely highlights the human element. It becomes more than just a coin; it embodies resilience. It's a really powerful little object! Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us that even in the direst of situations, societal functions continue.