Nijmeegse vierling of kwart stuiver, 1557 1557

This coin, a Nijmeegse "vierling" or "kwart stuiver", was minted in 1557 by the city of Nijmegen. Notice the circular form, its edges worn with history, and the muted grey tones that speak of age and material. The coin is more than mere currency; it’s a symbolic structure. The central emblem, encircled by text, presents a micro-narrative of power and civic identity. These aren't just images and words, but signs within a semiotic system, communicating the authority and economic stability of Nijmegen. Consider how this small object challenges notions of scale. Though diminutive in size, it held significant value, representing a fraction of daily exchange. It destabilizes conventional categories of art, existing as both a functional item and a carrier of cultural meaning. The coin's enduring form reminds us that even the smallest artifacts can embody complex social and philosophical ideas, open to endless reinterpretation across time.