Huwelijk van Filips, erfprins van Spanje en Maria I, koningin van Engeland 1554

This silver coin commemorating the marriage of Philip of Spain and Mary I of England presents us with a fascinating study in power and representation. The circular form, though worn with time, confines two distinct sides, each bearing symbolic weight. On one side, we see the profile of Mary, encircled by Latin text. The lines are delicate, yet the overall impression is one of constrained authority. Flipping to the other side, we find a detailed coat of arms, crowned and framed by further inscriptions. The heraldic imagery speaks to dynastic ambition and the strategic alliance forged through this union. The coin’s materiality adds another layer of meaning. Silver, a precious metal, underscores the value placed on this political marriage. The coin is not merely a token of currency, but a carefully constructed object designed to communicate the authority and aspirations of two powerful monarchs. While the images and Latin text are clear in their messages of power, the coin invites us to consider the complex interplay between image, material, and political messaging.