GREAT BRITAIN. Commonwealth. Death of Oliver Cromwell Gold Medal Restrike, "1658" (ca. 1877). NGC MS-61. cf. MI-434/84 (for prototype); cf. Eimer-201 (same); cf. van Loon-II, 420 (same). Later copy of an original of uncertain Dutch origin. Diameter: 28mm; Weight: 16.95 gms. Obverse: Laureate and draped bust left, in the style of that used by Thomas Simon for the coinage issues; Reverse: Shepherd attending to his flock near central olive tree. Extraordinarily flashy and brilliant, this specimen possesses a great deal of alluring eye appeal through its virtual prooflike appearance. A fairly <strong>RARE </strong>piece, even as a restrike.<p><em>There appears to be some confusion over this type, as even the incorrect citation on the holder indicates (MI-435/85 is a larger, somewhat different version of this type, and an original). There were gold and silver versions of MI-434/84 and Eimer-201 issued of uncertain Dutch manufacture, with obverse types mimicking the bust used by Thomas Simon for the concurrent coinage. However, a quick study of fabric and characteristics, such as the placement of the stops within the obverse legend, shows a clear difference between originals and restrikes (the latter of which appear to be listed by Henfrey in 1877). The originals feature stops that are centered between the tops and bottoms of the letters within the legend, while the restrikes feature stops at the baseline of the letters. There are also some die cracks near Cromwells shoulder that do not appear on the restrikes. On the reverse, the originals display a bolder legend, with better formed letters, while the restrikes display letters and numbers that seemingly trail off at the beginning and end of the legend. Furthermore, the trees on the horizon of the restrikes are without limbs, as the tops of the trees simply float in the air. Regardless of these differences, or possibly because the understanding has been so unclear, the prices realized are generally consistent across the two types.</em> <strong>To view all items from the Augustana Collection, click <a href="https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots?sort=auction_date_lot_number_asc&search=the+Augustana+Collection&limit=36&lots_range=upcoming"> here.</a></strong> From the Augustana Collection.
