Great Britain. Crown, 1653. S. 3214; ESC-6; Dav-3772. Commonwealth, 1649-1660. Obverse, English shield of arms within wreath, mint mark sun, THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND. Reverse conjoined shields with mark of value above and Cromwellian motto: GOD WITH US. Practically mint state, and an exceptionally rare coin in this grade. The stippled areas of the crosses on the shields are intact, and this specimen has a handsome blue/grey toning. Usual slightly irregular flan which is normal for this date. NGC graded AU-58. WINGS Approved. * This was the largest (in size) coin struck during the Commonwealth period of 1649-1660, in the dark days after the execution of king Charles I and before the eventual restoration of the monarchy. All the Commonwealth crowns have inscriptions in English instead of Latin (Cromwell associated the use of Latin with popery) and for obvious reasons the king's portrait had gone. St George's cross and the traditional Irish harp took the place of the royal arms, and Commonwealth coins are notable for their stark simplicity as well as their great rarity. One of the finest examples extant of an English non-portrait crown, produced in an era of incredible change and uncertainty. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. Categories: Balance of World Crowns and Minors
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