Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3066 17 Aug 2018
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Great Britain
Oliver Cromwell gold Proof Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings 1656 PR63 Cameo PCGS, KM-Pn25, S-3225, W&R-39. Simply put, one of the greatest jewels of the English numismatic series, and indeed a landmark in the country's coinage production history as a whole. The Civil War in England, which occurred from 1642-49, cumulated in the execution of King Charles I and the introduction of Oliver Cromwell as 'Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England'. This tumultuous time in English leadership and policy gave rise to a complete overhaul of English coinage as the new Lord Protector sought to consolidate his power through the greatest form of portable propaganda available at the time – coins. Indeed, it is likely no coincidence that Cromwell was so focused on the beautifying of money considering that under King Charles I, England had had none! Previous attempts to transition English coinage from the traditional hammered method of production to the more modern technique of 'milling' had been either weak or, ultimately, abject failures; however, under Cromwell a final push towards milled coinage occurred. This manifested itself first in the patterns produced by the engraver Thomas Simon and French engineer Pierre Blondeau in 1651, and then in this same duo's 1656-8 portrait coinage of Cromwell, the present specimen serving as an elite representative.
This limited portrait issue, often considered as patterns and yet with many showing clear evidence of circulation, was created to an impeccable standard: combining the genius of Simon's engraving with the technology of Blondeau. Produced entirely in Blondeau's own private Drury House (as the Tower Mint moneyers loathed Blondeau and refused to let him work alongside them), the coinage was designed as a statement of Cromwell's power and to serve as an example of the dramatic improvements in coin production under the Commonwealth. The Lord Protector's portrait is picked out with minute stipples, a signature of Simon's engraving also seen on his famous Petition Crown of 1663, and the overall style bears strong similarity to the fine work of contemporary engraver Jean Varin of the Paris Mint.
With the richest gold color to the planchet the cataloger has ever seen on this type, this outstanding example boasts needle-sharp details in accordance with its lofty certified grade. Seemingly worthy of 'Deep Cameo' designation, its devices thickly frosted, its mirror fields deeply reflective, the entirety of both gleaming surfaces overlaid with the most exquisite soft red patina. The highest certified example of this type is a PR64, just one point above the present specimen. An infinite step-up in quality from its contemporary hammered brethren, and a beauty which only came to exist via a revolutionary change in England.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 40000-60000 USD
Oliver Cromwell gold Proof Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings 1656 PR63 Cameo PCGS, KM-Pn25, S-3225, W&R-39. Simply put, one of the greatest jewels of the English numismatic series, and indeed a landmark in the country's coinage production history as a whole. The Civil War in England, which occurred from 1642-49, cumulated in the execution of King Charles I and the introduction of Oliver Cromwell as 'Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England'. This tumultuous time in English leadership and policy gave rise to a complete overhaul of English coinage as the new Lord Protector sought to consolidate his power through the greatest form of portable propaganda available at the time – coins. Indeed, it is likely no coincidence that Cromwell was so focused on the beautifying of money considering that under King Charles I, England had had none! Previous attempts to transition English coinage from the traditional hammered method of production to the more modern technique of 'milling' had been either weak or, ultimately, abject failures; however, under Cromwell a final push towards milled coinage occurred. This manifested itself first in the patterns produced by the engraver Thomas Simon and French engineer Pierre Blondeau in 1651, and then in this same duo's 1656-8 portrait coinage of Cromwell, the present specimen serving as an elite representative.
This limited portrait issue, often considered as patterns and yet with many showing clear evidence of circulation, was created to an impeccable standard: combining the genius of Simon's engraving with the technology of Blondeau. Produced entirely in Blondeau's own private Drury House (as the Tower Mint moneyers loathed Blondeau and refused to let him work alongside them), the coinage was designed as a statement of Cromwell's power and to serve as an example of the dramatic improvements in coin production under the Commonwealth. The Lord Protector's portrait is picked out with minute stipples, a signature of Simon's engraving also seen on his famous Petition Crown of 1663, and the overall style bears strong similarity to the fine work of contemporary engraver Jean Varin of the Paris Mint.
With the richest gold color to the planchet the cataloger has ever seen on this type, this outstanding example boasts needle-sharp details in accordance with its lofty certified grade. Seemingly worthy of 'Deep Cameo' designation, its devices thickly frosted, its mirror fields deeply reflective, the entirety of both gleaming surfaces overlaid with the most exquisite soft red patina. The highest certified example of this type is a PR64, just one point above the present specimen. An infinite step-up in quality from its contemporary hammered brethren, and a beauty which only came to exist via a revolutionary change in England.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 40000-60000 USD