Description
Commonwealth (1649-60), Pattern Halfcrown, 1651, mintmark Sun obverse only, milled coinage by Pierre Blondeau. English shield within laurel and palm branch, legends in English as opposed to Latin surrounding, THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND. Rev, conjoined English and Irish shields, value of denomination above II.VI, date at top, legend reads GOD WITH VS. Edge inscription IN. THE. THIRD. YEARE. OF. FREEDOME. BY. GODS. BLESSING. RESTORED. 1651, 15.13g (Bull.62; N.2731; ESC 443 :R3).
A heavily collected type within the Commonwealth pattern series, Blondeau renowned for his skill and prowess in early milled coinage. An excellent example, handsome cabinet toning, elaborate cross hatching of the English shields. Underlying golden mint brilliance, from the denticles inwards to the central designs, a complete example. Much as struck.
