Lot 315
Great Britain. Gold Pattern Broad, 1656. WR-39. S-3225; Fr-273. By Thomas Simon. Oliver Cromwell, 1653-1660. Laureate head of Cromwell left. Reverse: Crowned arms of the Protectorate. Reeded edge. Superbly struck, with handsome old reddish toning. Extremely rare in this grade -- certainly among the finest known, if not in fact the best piece extant. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo.
The so-called gold Broad, valued in 1656 at 20 shillings, was in effect the very first Guinea, which was invented in the following decade and also valued at 20 shillings. In earlier, hammered versions, it was known as the Pound. Cromwell's golden Broad brought back a tradition lost for some decades, that of placing the monarch's portrait on the "face" of the coin. Cromwell, however, famously declined the regal title, opting for Lord Protector in its stead. But in reality Oliver Cromwell ruled with great personal authority and influence, much as had the long succession of monarchs before him. His Broad is considered very rare (R2 in Wilson & Rasmussen), but the R2 rating does an injustice to this particular specimen, in that most of these pieces, when seen, are heavily impaired by scratches, digs, cleaning and other abuse.
While these are referred to as "patterns," nevertheless their issuance as general coin was authorized in 1656, with large-scale production done in 1657, and a second and larger production some time before Cromwell's death. All were machine-made from dies supplied by Thomas Simon, without a doubt one of England's finest die engravers (and an unappreciated national "art treasure" at the time). The striking was done on the presses of a hired Frenchman, Pierre Blondeau. Unfortunately for the talented Simon, the process of converting to mechanized coining caused him to be displaced from his job at the mint as principal engraver, although he continued to cut seals. Later, Simon would fall victim to the Great Plague of 1665 that ravished London and the rest of England. Much like Mozart, he passed away ignominiously. Also much like Mozart, his art has lived on forever, while the memories of those who despoiled him have become no more than mites of dust.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 40,000.
Ex Dr Jacob Y. Terner Collection (by private treaty to the Millennia Collection).
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| Realized $57,500 |
