Lot 3082
Great Britain. Halfcrown, 1658. S.3227A; ESC-447. Oliver Cromwell. By Thomas Simon. Obverse; Laureate draped bust of the Lord Protector left with cloak frosted. Legend: OLIVAR D.G R P ANG SCO ET HIB &ETC PRO. Reverse; Inverted die axis, crowned shield of the arms of the Protectorate. Date above crown, PAX QVAERITVR BELLO (Peace is sought by war). Edge has the ominous inscription in raised letters: HAS NISI PERITURVS MIHI ADIMAT NEMO (Let no-one remove from me these (letters) on penalty of death). A beautifully toned uncirculated specimen with shades of deep blue over prooflike fields. What is especially appealing is the absence of striking defects, wear or surface abrasions. Cromwell coins are forever popular, and top quality specimens like this are very difficult to locate. NGC graded MS-62 Gold Sticker. WINGS Approved.
*Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) was the Puritan leader of the Parliamentary (or anti-Royalist) forces in the great English Civil War. Having overseen the execution of the King (Charles I) and caused his son Charles to flee into exile, he declared Britain a republic. As Lord Protector from 1653 Cromwell established religious toleration and allied Britain with France against Spain. He was feared and respected, but he soon became a quasi- monarch himself and the population tired of his Puritanism. Not long before his death in September 1658 Cromwell authorized production of a series of coins bearing his portrait, all are scarce and very collectible. After the Restoration (of the monarchy) in 1660, it was not wise to be found in possession of Cromwell's coinage, but today these coins are sought after numismatic rarities.
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
|
| |
| Realized $12,338 |
