Description
Oliver Cromwell (1656-58), Crown, ‘Dutch Copy’ struck in the Low Countries, dies made before 1700, dated 1658, laureate and draped bust left, top of laurel wreath points to inverted N, toothed border surrounding both sides, legend reads OLIVAR DG RP ANG SCO HIB &c PRO. Rev, crowned quartered shield of arms of the Protectorate, date above, legend surrounding PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO, edge inscribed in raised letters, NEMO HAS NISI PERITVRVS MIHI ADIMAT NEMO (S.3226A; ESC 11; Bull 243 R3; L&S 2).
An impressive and imposing piece, seldom seen on the open market whether at auction or within dealers trays. Underlying lustre with hues of blue and grey, clear fields with a few unobtrusive nicks. A comprehensive portrait, the face on the Dutch copy characteristically more drawn or gaunt in contrast to the currency issue, excess metal lip below shield of arms. Extremely rare, extremely fine.
After Thomas Simon’s death several of his puncheons for Cromwell had found their way down to the Low Countries. It has been noted his widow sold various puncheons in 1676, although not necessarily these exact dies. Nevertheless, false dies in this region were concocted and ultimately led to the creation of the Dutch Crown. The simplest ways to differentiate this Crown from the more common 1658/7 Crown are as follows; i) die flaw omitted ii) the ‘N’ in ANG is inverted iii) the top leaf of the laurel points to the first limb of the aforementioned N, iv) the portrait is leaner and more streamlined, especially in the face.
