Joannis Titus Meyer, vijfentwintig jaar pastoor te Zwolle, penning aan hem in goud geschonken door de leden van het koor van zijn kerk 1808

This small, anonymous gold coin commemorates Joannis Titus Meyer's 25 years as pastor in Zwolle, and was gifted to him by the church choir. The materiality of the coin is key to its significance. Gold, a precious metal, immediately signifies value and importance, reflecting the high esteem in which Meyer was held. The coin’s imagery, carefully engraved, depicts Meyer himself, along with symbols of his pastoral duties. On the reverse, a detailed organ represents the choir, underscoring their musical contribution to the church. The process of minting, involving skilled metalwork and precise engraving, speaks to the labor and craftsmanship invested in this token of appreciation. While the coin might seem a simple object, it represents a confluence of social relationships – a pastor, his choir, and the wider community – all bound together through faith and music. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between craft and fine art, elevating a functional object into a symbol of collective identity.