Lot 2084
Great Britain. Gold Broad of Twenty Shillings, 1656. S.3225; Fr-273. Oliver Cromwell, 1653-1660. By Thomas Simon. Obverse: Laureate bust of the Protector left. OLIVAR. D. G. RP. ANG SCO ET HIB & PRO. Reverse Crowned shield of the Protectorate, PAX QVAERTVR BELLO 1656. Edge reeded. Inverted die axis.
This coin has lots of eye appeal, fully prooflike fields, well struck up design, a sharp edge and a pleasingly even old orange tone in the lettering. As was stated in the Millennia Sale catalogue the so-called gold broad, valued in 1656 at 20 shillings, was really the fore runner of the first Guinea, which was introduced in the following decade and also valued at twenty shillings. After the death of Cromwell and the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 these coins were often melted or defaced. Wilson and Rasmussen classify the Cromwell Broad as 'Rarity 2' (Very Rare), but high quality examples such as this, are extremely rare. NGC graded MS-61.
** Oliver Cromwell entered Parliament as a member in 1629 and became active in events leading to England's Civil War. He organized the New Model Army which he led (with General Fairfax) to victory at Naseby in 1646, and he declared Britain a Republic ('the Commonwealth') in 1649 following the execution of King Charles I.
A tough and purposeful character, Cromwell established religious tolerance and raised Britain's prestige in Europe. But in 1649 he executed the leaders of the Levellers (who demanded radical reforms) and used terror to crush the Irish clan leaders (1649-1650) and the Scots who had acknowledged Charles II as King, 1650-1651. He ruled with great tenacity and his last parliament offered him the crown, which he refused. In 1658 Cromwell was struck by a form of malarial fever, followed swiftly by a severe urinary infection. His health deteriorated and he died in London on 3 September 1658. Desiring change, the people welcomed back the monarchy in the form of a chastened King Charles II in 1660.
Estimated Value $22,500 - 27,500.
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