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Netherlands, Piedford Jeton de présence, Printers Medal, City of Haarlem, N.D. (1640). 23.94g, 38mm, Silver. vLoonI.160.1. Extremely fine.
Obverse: A female figure representing Typography, her right hand holding a laurel wreath, and her left resting upon the bar-handle of a printing-press. Rays of light descend upon her head. Upon her right a stone pillar rises, emblematical of durability, upon which is engraved the word TYPOGRAHIA (sic). Over the pillar is the letter S, and over the press the letter C, for Senatus Consulto. In the Exergue is only the word HARLEMUM.
Reverse: A ship in full sail, with a curiously notched beak at her prow, is breaking the heavy chains drawn across the entrance of a port (Damietta). On each side is a fortress where waves the Turkish flag, and whence the enemy is showering down arrows. Over all is the motto of the city of Haarlem, VICIT VIM VIRTUS, the arms of the city occupying the Exergue. Lettering: VICIT VIM VIRTUS (Translation: virtue conquers violence (Latin)).
These medals was used as "jetons de présence," one being presented to each Councillor as he entered the Council Chamber [of the Town Council at Haarlem]. They were afterwards exchanged for currency, at a certain time and at a fixed rate. This continual circulation accounts for the very bad condition in which they are mostly found.
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| Europe |
| Exonumia Europe |
| 1640 |
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