Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam

Nederlands Economisch PenningKabinet

Delve into the world of medals
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vitrine met penningen

The Nederlands Economisch PenningKabinet (NEPK) houses a unique collection of approximately 2,800 medals, which together provide an overview of economic activities in the Netherlands since 1900. 

The NEPK and Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) are closely connected. In 1963, the NEPK collection found its home at the Nederlandse Economische Hogeschool (now EUR). The University Library (UL) manages this historical collection, including medals related to the city of Rotterdam and Desiderius Erasmus. 

The collection is more than just a collection of medals; it is a window into the past, a source of knowledge, and an inspiration for the future. The medals offer insights not only into economic history but also into the artistic, cultural, and social developments of our country. 

Accessible database 

It is the mission of the UL to make all collections open and accessible to everyone. Therefore, we manage a database that provides information about each medal in the collection. Whether you are a researcher or simply curious, you will find detailed descriptions and backgrounds that bring these historical treasures to life. 

Coin vs. medal: what is the difference? 

Although medals may resemble coins, they are not a means of payment. Instead, they serve an important role as tangible reminders of special moments. Medals have emotional and cultural value and are often awarded to commemorate significant events or milestones. 

In addition, medals also have artistic value: in a museum context, medals are usually considered part of the sculptural arts. Our collection includes many examples from renowned sculptors. 

Take a look at the featured medals below or explore our database. 

  • The oldest medal in the collection  

    The oldest medal in the collection features the portrait of Desiderius Erasmus, the namesake of Erasmus University Rotterdam. This silver medal was crafted by Hieronymus Magdeburger, who worked in Saxony. It was made circa 1531 using the then newly developed screw press technique. 

    The commissioner of the medal was Erasmus himself, who gave it as a personal token of recognition and thanks, for example to friends and people who had rendered him a service. This particular piece stems from an old Dutch family collection. 
    NEPK1850

     

    De oudste penning in de collectie toont het portret van Desiderius Erasmus

  • Art deco medal

    The versatile designer Chris van der Hoef (1875-1933) is one of the most important Dutch artists from the Art Nouveau (in German: Jugendstil) and Art Deco periods. Trained in architectural ornamentation, he became internationally renowned for his creative designs of ornaments on utilitarian ceramics, pewter vases, plates, and medals. 

    Van der Hoef designed this specific struck medal in 1927 for the machine factory of C.T. Stork & Co in Hengelo, where it was awarded to employees for 25 years of service. 
    NEPK0579

    Penning met olifant van ontwerper Chris van der Hoef

  • Rotterdam port as the engine of the Dutch economy

    The port of Rotterdam is a significant engine of the Dutch economy. This honorary medal from the Stichting Havenbelangen Rotterdam features Pieter Caland. He is the man behind the construction of the Rotterdam Waterway, which allowed the port to become the largest in Europe (once the largest in the world). 

    The cast medal was designed in 1973 by the Rotterdam sculptor-medalist Willem Verbon. This piece was awarded in 1987 with an inscription to Jacques Schoufour, one of the last renowned Rotterdam port barons. 
    NEPK1969

    Penning met afbeelding van Pieter Caland

  • Cast medal of De Nederlandsche Bank: 

    This cast medal was designed in 2004 by the sculptor and medalist Eric Claus (1936). The medal was created on behalf of De Nederlandsche Bank, to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the institution. On the front, you can see the portraits of the 16 presidents of the bank since 1814. 

    The blank face represents President Jacques Teysset (1827-1828), of whom no image has been preserved. The reverse side features the characteristic sculpture 'The Keeper’, symbolizing the Bank's role as guardian of the Dutch financial system.
    NEPK2219

    Gietpenning van de Nederlandsche Bank

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