Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 116 2-3 Jun 2020
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Great Britain. Crown, 1658/7. S.3226; ESC-10; Dav-3773. Oliver Cromwell. Obverse with Thomas Simon's superb laureate draped bust left, legend reads: OLIVAR D G P ANG SCO HIB &c PRO. Reverse with crowned quartered shield of the Protectorate, date above and legend PAX QVAERITVR BELLO ('Peace is sought through war') The die flaw through the portrait/drapery is at an early stage and enhances the overall appearance. The edge is inscribed in raised letters 'HAS NISI PERTVRVS MIHI ADIMAT NEMO,' 'Let no-one remove (these letters) from me on penalty of death.' A chilling threat. Mint state with crisp portrait and near perfect edge detail. Deep blue toning, and a general absence of abrasions. PCGS graded MS-63. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000
* The Cromwell Crown is a 'classic' of the English numismatic series. It is the largest of the coins produced during the period of the Protectorate, and although Cromwell's portrait coins are often described as patterns (probably because of their intricate detail and fine style) we cannot assume that they were not intended for circulation. The coins were produced from dies made by Thomas Simon (1618-1665) - a brilliant engraver who sadly died of the plague in London, at a relatively young age. All the Crowns were made in the presses of the French entrepreneur Pierre Blondeau. and authority for their manufacture was given in 1656. The first pieces were not struck until 1657, and before a plentiful supply could be produced, Cromwell died in September 1658. He was succeeded as Lord Protector by his son Richard. Richard Cromwell had no desire to be Lord Protector, and there were no coins struck in his name.
* The Cromwell Crown is a 'classic' of the English numismatic series. It is the largest of the coins produced during the period of the Protectorate, and although Cromwell's portrait coins are often described as patterns (probably because of their intricate detail and fine style) we cannot assume that they were not intended for circulation. The coins were produced from dies made by Thomas Simon (1618-1665) - a brilliant engraver who sadly died of the plague in London, at a relatively young age. All the Crowns were made in the presses of the French entrepreneur Pierre Blondeau. and authority for their manufacture was given in 1656. The first pieces were not struck until 1657, and before a plentiful supply could be produced, Cromwell died in September 1658. He was succeeded as Lord Protector by his son Richard. Richard Cromwell had no desire to be Lord Protector, and there were no coins struck in his name.