In late summer 2017, the city administration of Bergheim commissioned me to produce a copy of the so-called “Bergheim guildersThe Bergheimer Gulden is a special award from the district town of Bergheim for outstanding services in the cultural sector.
The Bergheimer Gulden was a historic coin minted between 1360 and 1423. During this time Bergheim was one of the six mints of the Duchy of Jülich.
First, a silicone impression of the Bergheim guilder preparedin order to subsequently produce a resin copy of this guilder.
Afterwards, a casting mould was created on the basis of the synthetic resin impression of the Bergheim guilder, with the help of which a faithful copy of the Bergheim guilder could be cast in 925 silver.
Finally, the silver coin was galvanically gold-plated and I was able to deliver it punctually to the Bergheim city council.
Received this prestigious award on the 19. September 2017 Heinz Gerd Friedt for his outstanding research work on the history of the Jewish population of Bergheim (see also below) and Frank Rainer Hildenbrand for the realization of the historical museum BERGHEIMAT. The honorees received the Bergheim Gulden with joy and obvious emotion.
Interesting facts about the Bergheimer Gulden
The so-called "Bergheim Gulden" is an important symbol that creates an interesting connection between history, culture and modern award culture. Originally, the term is closely associated with the town of Bergheim in the Rhein-Erft district, which has a long and rich history. The Bergheim Gulden goes back to medieval coin minting, when Bergheim was one of several mints in the Duchy of Jülich. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, guilders were minted here and were widely used as a means of payment in large parts of the duchy. Today, these coins are not only valuable collector's items, but also testaments to the economic and cultural life of that time.
Today, the Bergheim Gulden has taken on a new meaning: it serves the city of Bergheim as an award for special services in the field of culture and social commitment. This award was introduced in the 1990s to combine the city's tradition with its modern development and to honor people who have made a special contribution to cultural life in Bergheim. The Bergheim Gulden is not just a purely symbolic award, but has a deep historical significance due to its connection to the city's history.
The award winners are carefully selected and the award is only given out rarely to underline its special significance. People who receive the Bergheim Gulden are distinguished by exceptional achievements, whether in researching history, promoting culture or in their commitment to social coexistence in the city. This award not only recognizes the commitment of the award winners, but is also intended to help make Bergheim's cultural values visible and preserve them.
One example of the award of the Bergheimer Gulden is the award given to Heinz Gerd Friedt, a historian and local historian who has studied the Jewish history of Bergheim and the surrounding area in depth. His work has made a significant contribution to deepening the understanding of the region's past and preserving its cultural heritage. His tireless commitment to researching and documenting history was an outstanding example of the commitment that the Bergheimer Gulden recognizes. Such honors not only help to recognize the achievements of those awarded, but also promote awareness of the region's rich past and cultural diversity.
In addition to its historical and cultural dimension, the Bergheim Gulden also has a social function. It shows how important the commitment of individual citizens to the common good is and how much their work can shape life in the city. The Bergheim Gulden is usually awarded in a celebratory setting that highlights the special character of this award. The focus is not only on honoring the award winners, but also on emphasizing the values that characterize Bergheim: community, cultural identity and a respectful approach to history.
By connecting the past and the present, the Bergheimer Gulden is much more than just an award. It is a symbol of the continuity and awareness of a city that knows its roots while looking forward. By honoring people who are passionate and dedicated to the community and culture, the Bergheimer Gulden remains a living expression of Bergheim's identity and its cultural self-image.