By
Chris Chatigny, Cataloger
This week’s feature coin for the August ANA World’s Fair of Money
auction in Chicago is a historical and numismatic rarity. For centuries the
British Isles have known a monarch, but for a brief period from 1649 – 1660
this continuity was shaken. Known as the English Interregnum, this republican
era followed the English Civil War between the pro-parliament and pro-royalist
forces. At the conclusion of this armed
conflict, King Charles I was executed and the Commonwealth of England was
established. Oliver Cromwell, a prominent pro-parliament military leader from
the Civil War, would form The Protectorate. In this new government Cromwell the
“Lord Protector” became the sole ruler of a military state. During his time as
the autocratic ruler of England, Cromwell authorized coins with his portraiture;
however they were only in production for a short time. Cromwell ruled through
military force, however, he was careful to avoid taking a crown and becoming
the new monarch. There are conflicting views of Oliver Cromwell, yet his role
in holding England together after the Civil Wars remains his notable
achievement.
Although he was never proclaimed King, Oliver Cromwell’s
portraiture coinage is certainly similar to earlier royal coinage. The coins
were authorized in 1656, with production beginning in 1657, followed by a
larger final production in 1658. The dies were created by Thomas Simon and
after Cromwell’s death they were sold to the Dutch, who prepared imitation
coinage with them. The coin featured here is the largest silver piece issued
for this series, the Crown. The obverse features a draped bust of Cromwell
facing left, adorned with a laurel crown. A flaw in the die is visible on the
drapery, and is common for this issue. The Latin legend reads: “OLIVAR. D. G.
R. P. ANG. SCO. HIB. &C PRO” which translates to “Oliver, by the Grace of
God of the Republic of England, Scotland, Ireland etc. Protector.” This design
evokes the previous royal coinage issues by using a Latin inscription, a laurel
crown, and enumerating the lands they controlled. The reverse continues the
similarities, with the personal arms of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector. The
arms are displayed (clockwise) on a shield as follows (from upper left):
England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. A small shield with a rampant lion in
the middle represents Oliver Cromwell’s personal arms. The entire coat of arms
is topped by a crown -- an obvious indicator of the monarch, although Cromwell
was never officially declared as such. Just above the crown is the minting date,
which happens to be an overdate variety, 1658/7. The reverse inscription is the
Latin motto of The Protectorate: “PAX QUAERITUR BELLO” which translates as
“Peace is sought through war.” This line accurately sums up The Protectorate,
an increasingly military state led by a general known for his heavy handed
rule. The coins he produced with his portrait for a short period of time have
become numismatic rarities in the modern age, and this silver crown with very
attractive toning will certainly be a highlight in our August ANA auction.
Look for this and other world numismatic pieces in our upcoming August
ANA Sale. Preview this impressive coin along with the rest of our auction this August
at the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio office located in Irvine California or New
York City. For details please refer to the Auction Schedule/Details link under
Current Auctions at www.StacksBowers.com. To schedule an appointment, please
call 800.566.2580.
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