Nazien van de munt van Harderwijk 1757

This silver medal was made by Bartholomeus van Swinderen to commemorate the new administration of the Harderwijk mint. The medal presents us with the opportunity to examine the economic and political institutions of the Dutch Republic in the 17th century. On one side, we see a personification of the city, seated regally under a canopy. The inscriptions around the edge translate as "The Supervisor of the Coinage and the Golden Apples He Causes to Ripen." This relates to the commercial success and growing wealth of Harderwijk at the time. On the other side, the inscription states, "She Carries Greatly Through Her Mint." A figure sits in front of a skyline, representing the city's power and prosperity facilitated by its monetary institution. Medals such as this were often commissioned by governments to commemorate events, celebrate achievements, or promote civic identity. By studying the imagery and inscriptions on this medal, along with archival records and economic histories, we can better understand the values and aspirations of the Dutch Republic and the role of institutions like the mint in shaping its society.