Allegorische waarschuwing tegen de amnestie, door Albrecht van Oostenrijk afgekondigd tijdens het beleg van Oostende 1603

This coin, made by an anonymous artist, presents an allegorical warning against the amnesty declared by Albrecht of Austria during the siege of Ostend. At its heart, the coin bears the striking image of an ostrich. The ostrich, a symbol laden with meaning, is the key to understanding this small but potent object. Often depicted consuming iron, the ostrich embodies the idea of digesting or enduring hardship. In ancient symbolism, the ostrich represented justice, protection, and even foolishness. The ambiguity of this symbol becomes clear when considering its recurrence in emblems and heraldry. The ostrich's symbolism has shifted through the ages, reflecting a broader human tendency to re-evaluate and reinterpret our symbols in light of contemporary concerns. This coin, therefore, serves as a potent reminder that symbols are not static; their meanings evolve, adapt, and resurface across time, mirroring the cyclical nature of history itself.