The New York Sale
Auction 58 11 Jan 2023
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Great Britain. Oliver Cromwell (d.1658), Gold Broad of Twenty Shillings, 1656. Laureate head left, legend and toothed border surrounding, OLIVAR. D. G. R. P. ANG. SCO. ET. HIB. & PRO, Rev. Crowned quartered shield of arms of the Protectorate, date either side of crown, legend and toothed border surrounding, PAX. QVÆRITVR. BELLO. edge milled, 9.00g (WR 39 R2; Fr 273; S.3225; N 2744; KM.Pn25). Toned with luster remaining in the devices. In PCGS holder graded Proof 55. Estimated Value $15,000 - UP
The so-called gold Broad, valued in 1656 at 20 shillings, was in effect the very first Guinea, which was invented in the following decade and also valued at 20 shillings. Cromwell's portrait coins are often described as patterns, but it is quite likely that they were intended, eventually to circulate. Authority was given for manufacture in 1656 but the first full production came in 1657, followed by a later wave of coinage before the September of 1658, when Cromwell died. Cromwell had become king in all but name-indeed his last parliament had offered him the crown. He had refused the offer because he feared the army's republicanism, but he was nevertheless pleased to see his portrait used so conspicuously on the national coinage.
PCGS Certification Number 45908765 Ex The Century Collection.
The so-called gold Broad, valued in 1656 at 20 shillings, was in effect the very first Guinea, which was invented in the following decade and also valued at 20 shillings. Cromwell's portrait coins are often described as patterns, but it is quite likely that they were intended, eventually to circulate. Authority was given for manufacture in 1656 but the first full production came in 1657, followed by a later wave of coinage before the September of 1658, when Cromwell died. Cromwell had become king in all but name-indeed his last parliament had offered him the crown. He had refused the offer because he feared the army's republicanism, but he was nevertheless pleased to see his portrait used so conspicuously on the national coinage.
PCGS Certification Number 45908765 Ex The Century Collection.