$13,138.00 USD
The 1658 Oliver Cromwell shilling was struck during the Protectorate era (1653-1658), a tumultuous period following the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell, as Lord Protector, became the first and only commoner to appear on the obverse of an English coin.
Oliver Cromwell's coinage was produced in very limited quantities toward the end of his rule. After Cromwell's death in 1658 and the 1660 Restoration of the monarchy, most Cromwellian coins were withdrawn and melted as the crown reasserted control. This means surviving specimens, especially in high grade, are extraordinarily scarce
The obverse features a laureate, draped bust of Cromwell facing left with the Latin legend "OLIVAR· D·G· R·P· ANG· SCO· HIB & PRO" (Oliver, by the Grace of God, Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland).
The reverse bears the date 1658 above a crowned quartered shield of the Protectorate, encircled by the motto "PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO" (Peace is sought through war). The coin's edge is straight milled (grained) – a modern feature at a time when most English coins were still hammered.
At MS64, the Cromwell shilling shows no wear from circulation, strong mint luster, and only minor contact marks or imperfections keeping it from a higher gem grade.
In summary, MS64 represents a "top-pop" grade: only around 20 coins between both NGC and PCGS have ever reached this level, and virtually none are graded higher. Such a tiny population at MS64 (with possibly 1 known in MS65 at most, if any) means this coin sits at the pinnacle of condition rarity.
