Broad: Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector (obverse); Crowned Shield of Arms (reverse)
Medium
gold
Dimensions
diam. 2.9 cm
Classification
Coins
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
The Norweb Collection
Accession Number
1969.197
Tags
male
About this artwork
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 ...