S-3226; ESC-10; KM-D207; Dav-3773. Laureate draped bust of Oliver Cromwell as Protector of the Republic of England, Scotland and Ireland created by Thomas Simon. This middle die state shows a die crack across the bust at shoulder height, shorter crack links left denticles to O. Rv. Crowned quartered Arms, PAX QVAERITVR BELLO, <em>Peace is Sought by War</em>. Edge lettered HAS. NISI. PERITVRVS. MIHI. ADIMAT. NEMO*, <em>Let No One Remove These from Me under Threat of Death</em>. Some British numismatists of the past called these portrait coins patterns, but there is no evidence for this claim. The portrait coins were authorized in 1656 and struck in 1657-1658 and the issue was brought to a halt by Cromwells death on Sept. 3, 1658. Bold strike with light toning. Despite the details designation, quite a presentable example of this highly sought after type. PCGS Genuine--Cleaned, Unc Details Secure Holder. From the Brighton Collection.
