Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3030 5-6 January 2014
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Great Britain
Cromwell gold Broad 1656, of 20 Shillings, S-3225, WR-39 (R2), dies by Thomas Simon, reeded or straight-grained edge, MS62 NGC but despite that estimation, this coin was struck in proof state, as proven by the crispness of every part of the engraving, by the fully mirrored surfaces, and by the rims and edge, the surfaces showing numerous tiny ticks and hairline abrasions from handling over the past 358 years before the protection of slabbing evolved. The surfaces certainly remain glittering and pleasing to many collectors' eyes. The portrait and shield on reverse are both frosted or "cameo" though not so mentioned on the grading insert. The color of the gold is a beautiful reddish gold. This large gold piece was the precursor of the gold Guinea, which would make its appearance on the world stage in 1663, valued then at the same 20 Shillings. Importantly, this coin and others issued in Cromwell's name showed one and all in England that the old, honored, trusted method of making coins using manpower, hammers, anvils and hand-held dies was suddenly a thing of the past. Pierre Blondeau's imported coinage presses soon reigned supreme, and the era of Milled Coinage began -- this golden beauty being one of its first creations.
Estimate: 50000-60000 USD
Cromwell gold Broad 1656, of 20 Shillings, S-3225, WR-39 (R2), dies by Thomas Simon, reeded or straight-grained edge, MS62 NGC but despite that estimation, this coin was struck in proof state, as proven by the crispness of every part of the engraving, by the fully mirrored surfaces, and by the rims and edge, the surfaces showing numerous tiny ticks and hairline abrasions from handling over the past 358 years before the protection of slabbing evolved. The surfaces certainly remain glittering and pleasing to many collectors' eyes. The portrait and shield on reverse are both frosted or "cameo" though not so mentioned on the grading insert. The color of the gold is a beautiful reddish gold. This large gold piece was the precursor of the gold Guinea, which would make its appearance on the world stage in 1663, valued then at the same 20 Shillings. Importantly, this coin and others issued in Cromwell's name showed one and all in England that the old, honored, trusted method of making coins using manpower, hammers, anvils and hand-held dies was suddenly a thing of the past. Pierre Blondeau's imported coinage presses soon reigned supreme, and the era of Milled Coinage began -- this golden beauty being one of its first creations.
Estimate: 50000-60000 USD