Watch List notes:

GREAT BRITAIN. Commonwealth (republic), 1649-60. Crown 1653, London. 30.3 g. ESC-6; S-3214 . 1653 was a tumultuous year in the Commonwealth of England. The dismissal of the Rump Parliament by Cromwell gave way to the Barebone's Parliament, a nominated assembly consisting mainly of political amateurs. Cromwell used the scattered parliament's inability to decision-making to seize control as Lord Protector under England's first written constitution Intrument of Government (signed 1653). The Protectorate lasted until Cromwell's death in 1658. All coins struck during the Commonwealth of England are scarce and quite crude in their appearance. During Cromwell's reign, screw presses were installed at the Mint and these were used on the crowns bearing his portrait. The coin offered here shows slightly uneven edges and good details. Even wear and an attractive grey toning makes for a pleasant appeal. An attractive example from a popular collecting field. Very fine.