Westfriese halve Nederlandse rijksdaalder, 1614 1614

This is a Westfriese halve Nederlandse rijksdaalder, a coin made in 1614 by the province of West Friesland in the Netherlands. At the time this coin was made, the Netherlands was embroiled in the Eighty Years' War against the Spanish Empire, fighting for its independence. Money like this rijksdaalder played a crucial role in financing the Dutch revolt. The coin features the coat of arms of West Friesland, a region with a strong sense of its own identity within the Netherlands. The lion rampant on the shield symbolizes power and courage, while the crown above it denotes sovereignty. Minting their own coins was a way for West Friesland to assert its autonomy and economic strength during a time of conflict and upheaval. Think about how money shapes our sense of identity and belonging. This coin not only facilitated trade, but also served as a potent reminder of regional pride and the ongoing struggle for Dutch independence.