Utrechtse daalder, 1686 1686

The Utrechtse daalder was produced in 1686 by the Province of Utrecht. The coin speaks volumes about power, trade and identity in the Dutch Republic during the late 17th century. As a form of currency, the coin facilitated trade and economic exchange, embedding the province within a larger network of global commerce. The intricate heraldry, displaying the coat of arms, reflects a society deeply rooted in hierarchical structures, privileges, and regional identities. These symbols were not merely decorative; they were powerful statements of sovereignty and economic prowess. Consider who benefits from this system and whose histories are obscured. What does it mean to create an object that on the one hand enables trade, while on the other, asserts power and authority through heraldic symbols? It offers us a glimpse into the complex interplay of commerce, identity, and power that shaped the world we inhabit today.