$1,009,800.00 USD
The mid-17th century in Great Britain witnessed a pivotal shift in coin production from the age-old method of hammering to the more technologically advanced process of milling. The gold coins issued under Oliver Cromwell, including the 1656 50 Shilling, represent an early and highly significant phase in this transition.
This move towards mechanization allowed for a level of precision, uniformity, and fineness of detail in coinage that was simply unattainable through the manual process of hammering. The artistic vision for these milled coins was primarily the responsibility of Thomas Simon, who served as the chief engraver. Simon was tasked with creating the intricate designs for the coin dies.
Complementing Simon's artistic skills was the engineering expertise of Pierre Blondeau. Blondeau played a crucial role by introducing and operating the sophisticated milling machinery, which was housed at Drury House in the Strand.
The advanced minting technology employed for Cromwell's gold coinage likely played a significant role in the exceptional quality of surviving examples, making it possible for them to achieve high proof grades and exhibit the distinct contrast that defines a Cameo effect.
The obverse of the coin presents a left-facing bust of Oliver Cromwell. His head is adorned with a laurel wreath, a classical symbol of victory and authority, evoking the imagery of Roman emperors. Encircling the portrait is a Latin inscription that reads "OLIVAR · D · G · RP · ANG · SCO · ET · HIB & PRO ·". This inscription translates to "Oliver by the Grace of God Protector of the Republic of England Scotland and Ireland," clearly stating Cromwell's title and the territories under his rule.
The reverse of the coin displays a crowned shield bearing the arms of the Protectorate. This shield symbolizes the unification of England, Scotland, and Ireland under the Protectorate. Positioned above the crowned shield is the date "1656", indicating the year the coin was minted. Surrounding the shield is the Latin motto "· PAX · QVÆRITVR · BELLO ·", which translates to "Peace is sought through war." This motto reflects the turbulent political climate of the era and Cromwell's own military background.
The edge of the coin features a raised lettered inscription: "PROTECTOR LITERIS LITERAE NVMMIS CORONA ET SALVS". This translates to "A protector of the letters, the letters are a garland and a safeguard to the coinage." This inscription emphasizes Cromwell's role as the protector of the realm and highlights the importance of a stable and trustworthy currency.
The milled coinage produced through this innovative technology yielded coins with superior quality, a characteristic that is particularly evident in proof or presentation strikes, which often display a higher level of finish and detail compared to coins intended for general circulation.
