Broad: Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (Cleveland Museum of Art 1969.197)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1656
With the defeat of Charles I a Council of State was set up, the kingship abolished and England was governed as a Commonwealth. This rare piece was one of a series struck by order of Cromwell, and with the consent of the Council. The dies were made by Thomas Simon and the striking of the coins was entrusted to Peter Blondeau, who made use of the mill and screw press, which he had imported and improved. Public opinion appears to have been against Cromwell using his own portrait on the coinage and these pieces were not put into circulation, though even so they occasionally appear in somewhat worn condition. The laurel wreath and the crown are significant as there was a movement to offer Cromwell the Crown of England. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1969.197: Broad: Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse), 1656. Thomas Simon (British). Gold; diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.). Inscribed: PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO (Peace is sought by War); OLIVARD G RP ANG SCO ET HIB&PRO (Oliver by the Grace of God Protector of the Republic of England Scotland and Ireland). Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Thomas Simon was one of the great medallists of history and chief engraver at the Royal Mint although he left the regular work to his deputies and spent most of his time on commemorative medals.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 2.9 cm (1 1/8 in.)
- Material and technique
- gold
Design
- Inscriptions
- PAX QVÆRITVR BELLO (Peace is sought by War); OLIVARD G RP ANG SCO ET HIB&PRO (Oliver by the Grace of God Protector of the Republic of England Scotland and Ireland)
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1656
- Culture period
- England, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector, 1653-1658
- Maker recorded
- Thomas Simon (British)
- Museum attribution
- Thomas Simon (British)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1969.197
- Published references
- Cleveland Museum of Art, and Emery May Norweb. English Gold Coins, Ancient to Modern Times, On Loan to the Cleveland Museum of Art from the Norweb Collection . [Catalog. 1968. p. 56
- Museum classification
- Coins
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references against numismatic literature.