Heritage World Coin Auctions
Dallas Signature Sale 3088 5-6 Nov 2020
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Great Britain
Oliver Cromwell gold Proof Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings 1656 PR63 Cameo PCGS, KM-Pn25, S-3225, N-2744, Schneider-367, W&R-39 (R2). A simply astounding Proof type that acts as a mirror into contemporary English history, the gold Broads of Oliver Cromwell quite noticeably lay out just how tenuous the arrangements made at the conclusion of the English Civil War really were. Laying aside at least one particular aspect of the recently overturned monarchy very definitively, Cromwell's dedication to beautifying the coinage of the realm cannot be doubted, particularly compared with the general lack of attention paid during the reign of Charles I. Very much providing the final push towards a more regular milled coinage after numerous failed attempts by his predecessors, these portrait Broads masterfully paired the genius of Thomas Simon's engraving with the technological know-how of Pierre 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 irony of Cromwell's manner of asserting his power following the execution of Charles I can hardly be overstated. While self-styled as the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, his coinage had quickly disposed of the anonymity of the earlier Commonwealth issues to return an individual's portrait on the coins--and the first commoner to be so featured at that--a rather 'regal' move further accentuated by the royal crown over the Commonwealth shield on the reverse.
Regardless of Cromwell's hypocrisy or aspirations, the offering can simply be regarded as astounding. Bearing the trademark stippling over the elements endemic of the issues of the period, this here only accentuates the rich frost clinging to the devices and the cameoed reflectivity of the fields. Rarely seen in this Proof format, we note that only 3 pieces have been certified a point finer to-date, and indeed this is only the second time we have offered so lofty a specimen. A piece which quite simply begs its viewers to take a closer look, and worthy of the utmost bidder attention.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-oliver-cromwell-gold-proof-pattern-broad-of-20-shillings-1656-pr63-cameo-pcgs-/a/3088-33137.s?type=CoinArchives3088
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 80000-100000 USD
Oliver Cromwell gold Proof Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings 1656 PR63 Cameo PCGS, KM-Pn25, S-3225, N-2744, Schneider-367, W&R-39 (R2). A simply astounding Proof type that acts as a mirror into contemporary English history, the gold Broads of Oliver Cromwell quite noticeably lay out just how tenuous the arrangements made at the conclusion of the English Civil War really were. Laying aside at least one particular aspect of the recently overturned monarchy very definitively, Cromwell's dedication to beautifying the coinage of the realm cannot be doubted, particularly compared with the general lack of attention paid during the reign of Charles I. Very much providing the final push towards a more regular milled coinage after numerous failed attempts by his predecessors, these portrait Broads masterfully paired the genius of Thomas Simon's engraving with the technological know-how of Pierre 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 irony of Cromwell's manner of asserting his power following the execution of Charles I can hardly be overstated. While self-styled as the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, his coinage had quickly disposed of the anonymity of the earlier Commonwealth issues to return an individual's portrait on the coins--and the first commoner to be so featured at that--a rather 'regal' move further accentuated by the royal crown over the Commonwealth shield on the reverse.
Regardless of Cromwell's hypocrisy or aspirations, the offering can simply be regarded as astounding. Bearing the trademark stippling over the elements endemic of the issues of the period, this here only accentuates the rich frost clinging to the devices and the cameoed reflectivity of the fields. Rarely seen in this Proof format, we note that only 3 pieces have been certified a point finer to-date, and indeed this is only the second time we have offered so lofty a specimen. A piece which quite simply begs its viewers to take a closer look, and worthy of the utmost bidder attention.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/great-britain/great-britain-oliver-cromwell-gold-proof-pattern-broad-of-20-shillings-1656-pr63-cameo-pcgs-/a/3088-33137.s?type=CoinArchives3088
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 80000-100000 USD