Commonwealth (1649-60), hammered Halfcrown of 'Fine Work', 14.97g, 1656, m.m. sun, shield of England within palm and laurel wreath rev. medal alignment, conjoined shields of England and Ireland, mark of value above, edge plain (ESC 50 {437B} [R6]; N.-; S.-), proof-like and lustrous, very rare.
Provenance:
Bt. Baldwins, 11 November 1987, no. 131, £750
H M Lingford (with his ticket)
Naish collection, Seaby list 338, November 1945, no. 262 - "A magnificent piece, on a perfectly circular flan, undoubtedly a proof, struck in a collar, probably by Blondeau, believed to be unique. FDC, RRRR, £25"
Estimate: £2,500.00 - £3,000.00