$11,880.00 USD
The 1658/7 Cromwell Crown represents a fascinating evolution in Commonwealth-era coinage:
· Initial Commonwealth coins (1649-1656) featured stark "Puritan" designs, deliberately omitting royal portraiture and using English rather than Latin inscriptions
· Later Protectorate issues, including this crown, reintroduced portraiture with Cromwell styled as a Roman emperor
· The shift from republican symbolism to Cromwell's portrait paralleled his increasing personal authority
· The return to Latin inscriptions suggested a move back toward traditional numismatic practices
This rapid stylistic evolution makes these coins particularly valuable as visual evidence of the political transformation occurring during this tumultuous period. The Cromwell portrait coins represent a significant departure from the earlier Commonwealth issues and serve as important historical documents of this brief interregnum before the restoration of the monarchy.
The obverse features a bold, laureate portrait of Oliver Cromwell facing left, designed in the classical style of Roman emperors. Around the portrait runs the Latin inscription “OLIVAR D G R P ANG SCO HIB &c PRO” translating to “Oliver, by the Grace of God, Protector of the Republic of England, Scotland, Ireland, etc.”
The reverse displays a crowned quartered shield of arms representing England, Scotland, and Ireland. The shield is surrounded by the Latin motto “PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO” meaning “Peace is sought through war,” reflecting Cromwell’s military leadership and vision of peace through strength.
The 1658/7 Cromwell Crown represents a technological milestone in British coinage:
· Among the first English crowns produced using a screw press rather than traditional hammering
· Created through collaboration between Thomas Simon (designer) and Pierre Blondeau (engineer)
· Featured uniform strikes, detailed imagery, and edge lettering impossible with earlier techniques
· Demonstrated superior craftsmanship compared to typical 17th-century British coinage
This technological advancement makes the coin significant not only for its historical context but also for its role in the evolution of British minting practices. The superior quality of these machine-struck coins would not become standard in British coinage for decades, making the Cromwell issues noteworthy forerunners of modern minting techniques.
A historically rich and visually commanding example of Cromwellian coinage, this 1658/7 Silver Crown graded PCGS AU58 displays deep cabinet toning and bold, medallic-style relief. The overdate adds a layer of intrigue to an already significant type—struck in the final year of Cromwell’s rule. Its near-Mint State preservation, detailed portrait, and striking reverse shield crowned with regal symbolism make this an elite survivor of England’s brief republican era.
