Description
Oliver Cromwell (1656 – 1658), Halfcrown, 1658, laureate and draped bust left, toothed borders both sides, legend surrounding from bottom left of coin, OLIVARD GRP ANG SCO ET HIB &c PRO. Rev, crowned quartered shield of arms of the Protectorate, date above, reads PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO, edge inscription +HAS NISI PERITVRVS MIHI ADIMAT NEMO (S.3227a; Bull. 252; ESC. 447).
Rich lustrous toning, a midnight blue and dark cyan iridescence when held to good light. Few unobtrusive light scratches, portrait impressive, the slightest of softness to the high points; lower part of bust and breastplate well struck showing up all the course grained details. Reverse, prooflike fields, impeccable coat of arms, minimal hairlines. Extremely fine, scarce. Much eye appeal.
The translated obverse legends equate to the following “Oliver by the Grace of God, Protector of the Republic of England, Scotland and Ireland.” The reverse as “Peace is sought by war.” The edge inscription “Let no one remove these from me under penalty of death.” The Cromwellian Halfcrowns were issued in either of two dates. 1656 and 1658. The 1656 considered a genuine rarity and in more cases than others surfaces in fair to fine condition, they also have a slight difference in their legend arrangement, reading HI as opposed to HIB. The 1658 issue more often than not the date available to commerce, additionally the proof struck in Gold Halfcrown of 1658 (W&R 46; ESC. 447a), universally recognised as one of the great numismatic rarities with roughly six known, the Bridgewater House piece being the standard reference point.