Oliver Cromwell (1649 - 58) , Crown, 1658, 'Dutch copy', by an unknown artist working in the Low Countries, laureate and draped bust left, rev. crowned shield of the Protectorate (S.3226A; Bull 243: Esc 11: L&S 2)

An Extremely Fine grade specimen of this seldom encountered and very rare crown. Struck in the Low Countries from a concoction of Thomas Simons dies this style crown is of a far greater rarity than its earlier counterpart. It is believed that these were made circa 1700 when there seems to have been a renaissance in all things Cromwell. Even the Royal mint in the mid 1700's made further strikings of his coinage known as Tanner copies. The Dutch Crown is easily distinguishable from the original Crown of Cromwell due to the fact the N in ANG is inverted, there is no die flaw, the date isn't a 8 over 7  and the portrait is somewhat elongated. This type crown is rarely encountered in any grade let alone in this state of preservation and from our research, it is suggestible that its rarity of R3 might be generous to say the least !

Provenance

Ex Benjamin Chaffer of Burnley Collection, Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, Oct 1902, lot 74 

Ex Henry Thorburn Collection, Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, Nov 1918, lot 288 where it was described as " extremely fine and very rare" - sold for £10 to " Baldwins"

Ex H Lowe Collection, Glendinings October 1943, lot 48 - £21-0-0

Ex Frederick Willis Collection, Glendinings, Part I, lot 399