103016 | NETHERLANDS. Oval cast lead Death Medal.

103016  |  NETHERLANDS. Oval cast lead Death Medal. Issued circa late 17th/early 18th century (66mm x 74mm, 106.88 g, 12h). After Wouter Muller.

 

Two nude genii in flight, holding up banner and pointing upward toward the radiant heavens; below, deceased woman in shroud reclining right upon sarcophagus bearing cartouche that is flanked by two winged genii // Skeleton standing facing, holding up banner along with bones in each hand; crossed scythes in background; winged and draped shield below. Edge: Somewhat rough, as made.

 

Cf. Scher Coll. 762 (for obv. [in silver]); cf. Frederiks 29/20 (for obv./rev.); cf. hart.amsterdam/nl/page/46975 (in silver). Choice Very Fine. Deep pewtery-gray hues; pierced at the top. Fairly rare and evocative.

 

A form of a memento mori, the overlijdenspenning, or "death medal," was a type of commemorative that one could have engraved in remembrance of someone, often a family member, who had passed. Different combinations of obverses and reverses could be utilized, many of which tended to feature skulls and skeletons, with areas left blank for engraving a name, date(s), and quotes such as Biblical passages. In this instance, the areas intended for engraving have been left blank, as it was never utilized for such purposes.

 

Upload: 1 October 2025.