Description
Oliver Cromwell (1656-58), Crown, dies prepared by Thomas Simon and struck using Pierre Blondeau’s machinery, dated 1658/7, 8 in date struck over 7, laureate and draped bust left, raised die flaw, toothed border surrounding both sides, legend surrounds from bottom left of coin OLIVAR DG RP ANG SCO HIB &c PRO. Rev, crowned quartered shield of arms of the Protectorate, Cromwell’s rampant lion in the centre within a heraldic frame, date above, reads PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO, edge inscribed HAS NISI PERITVRVS MIHI ADIMAT NEMO (S.3226; Linecar & Stone 1; Bull 240; ESC 10).
Iridescent toning with mirrored fields, some honest wear in the midsection of the hair beneath the wreath, Rev, attractive mottled tone, few surface markings. An essential type coin for the discerning Crown collector. Near extremely fine, scarce.
The obverse legend translates to the following, Oliver by the Grace of God, Protector of the Republic of England, Scotland and Ireland,” the reverse script carries the famous motto “Peace is sought by war” and additionally on the edge “Let no one remove these from me under penalty of death.”
