Lot 1926
Great Britain. Proof Halfcrown, 1658. Oliver Cromwell. S-3227A. Grained edge. Here is the ideal "mate" for the exceptional shilling offered in this sale. Our comments made in that lot pertain equally to this halfcrown, except that here is truly a magnificent specimen. It is the only Cromwell halfcrown the cataloguer has seen that he feels is a Specimen or Proof. The majority of Cromwell's silver coins, in nice enough condition, do exhibit some prooflike surface qualities; they may have been struck from the same dies as this coin, but the detail and striking quality here, in this piece, are so extraordinary that it would appear it was struck more than once, on a blank or planchet that was especially well made. The suggestion begs to be made that this coin could have been prepared for inspection by Oliver himself, although of course no evidence exists. How could it? The best evidence, in fact, could be this very coin, exhibiting absolutely marvelous, original silvery gray iridescent surfaces which are essentially flawless. Nothing else like it has ever crossed before the cataloguer's eyes, not in 25 years of working with the finest British coins. Purchased for Dr Terner from the private collection of a London dealer some 20 years ago, it has never had a "public appearance" prior to being in this auction. Superb, the finest known. PCGS graded Specimen 65.
Estimated Value $12,500 - 15,000.
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| Realized $15,525 |
