Oliver Cromwell gold Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings 1656, by Thomas Simon (KM Pn25, S.3225, W&R.39, N.2744, Schneider367, Fr.273) - Obv: Laureate head left, legend and toothed border surrounding: OLIVAR • D • G • R P • ANG • SCO • ET • HIB & PRO • / Rev: Crowned quartered arms of the Protectorate dividing the date, legend and toothed border surrounding; PAX • QVÆRITVR • BELLO • 16 56 • - Gold, reeded edge, 9.10 gram, 29.2 mm- NGC MS61 (8536988-001), visually delightful in hand, this well-preserved representative of a coveted and highly historical gold denomination leaves the viewer wanting nothing more. While the coin is technically designated as "MS," the offering shows characteristics of a Proof strike. Needle-sharp clarity of detail is expressed throughout, with characteristic stippled texturing noted across Cromwell's bust and the inner shields of the reverse design, framed by crisp legends. Meanwhile, a compelling amber tone blankets the surfaces, elevating the allure of this treasured relic of English and, more broadly, numismatic history._x000D_ After the English Civil War terminated in 1649 with the execution of King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the anti-monarchist Parliamentarians, became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. Seven years later, through the combination Thomas Simon's masterful engraving and the engineering know-how of Pierre Blondeau, the Cromwell portrait series was created. A step towards hypocritically representing Cromwell as King, this milled coinage featured the Lord Protector wearing a laureate wreath and the reverse shield featuring a crown, its overall quality a significant improvement over previous issues. Produced entirely in Blondeau's own private Drury House (as the Tower Mint moneyers loathed Blondeau and refused to let him work alongside them), the coinage was designed as a statement of Cromwell's power and to serve as an example of the dramatic improvements in coin production under the Commonwealth.