Taler, noodmunt voor het leger van Johan II Sigismund Zápolya, troonpretedent van Hongarije en prins van Transsylvanië, in oorlog tegen keizer Ferdinand I. 1562

Curator: Here we have a “Taler, noodmunt voor het leger van Johan II Sigismund Zàpolya” dating back to 1562. It's a print made on metal, and functions as an engraved object of record. Editor: The patina is heavy; I’m immediately struck by the weight of history it seems to carry, both literally and figuratively. The distressed surface speaks to a time of unrest and conflict. Curator: Precisely. The term "noodmunt" translates to "emergency money" or "necessity coinage," used by the army of Johan II Sigismund Zàpolya, who was a pretender to the throne of Hungary and Prince of Transylvania during his war against Emperor Ferdinand I. The central design is a coat-of-arms bearing symbols of sovereignty and defiance, asserting Zàpolya's claim. Editor: It is an act of resistance cast in metal. By creating and distributing their own currency, Zàpolya was not only financing his army but also visually legitimizing his rule. These symbols--the crescent, star, the family name--all become charged in a moment of social upheaval, marking allegiances for his troops and subjects. Curator: Beyond the heraldic symbolism, notice how the image speaks to the universal experience of conflict and resilience. Currency has always been a tool for both commerce and communication, embodying power structures. Editor: Absolutely. What strikes me is how immediate this feels, even now. Currency often outlives its issuer. To hold it connects us viscerally to their struggle, bringing awareness to a specific history while echoing more extensive conflicts that continue to shape our world. Curator: Considering the religious and political battles of the era, this small object encapsulates enormous ambition and determination. A single emblem, etched on a bit of metal, echoes through time. Editor: It also invites consideration of who controls resources and narrative—who gets to define “legitimacy,” and at what cost.