Watch List notes:

Great Britain. Crown, 1658/7. S.3226; ESC-10; Dav-3773. Oliver Cromwell. Obverse, draped laureate bust of Cromwell as Lord Protector left: OLIVAR DG P ANG SCO HIB & PRO. Reverse, crowned shield of arms with date above: PAX QVAERITVR BELLO around ('Peace is sought through war') The chilling edge inscription reads: HAS NISI PERITVRVS MIHI ADIMAT ('Let no-one remove these (letters) from me under penalty of death') in raised letters. A beautifully struck piece with a subtle blue pastel tone and prooflike surfaces, this specimen is in nearly mint state. PCGS graded AU-55. Estimate Value $8,000 - 9,000
* The Cromwell Crown is one of the most celebrated of English coins. After the death of King Charles I in early 1649 and the apparent end of the monarchy, Cromwell moved to assume the mantle of power. The Protectorate was established in December 1653 and the production of coins featuring the Lord Protector's portrait was authorised some 2 years later. There is no reason to believe that the handsome Cromwellian series of coins was not intended to circulate, although each denomination was produced in relatively small numbers. All were machine made and struck from dies prepared by the master engraver Thomas Simon (1618-1665) in the presses of the Frenchman Pierre Blondeau.