The North Yorkshire Moors Collection of British Coins

VIII: Original struck gold Medals by Simon, Death of Oliver Cromwell, 1658, a struck gold medal by T. Simon, laureate armoured bust left, signed t simon below shoulder, olivar d g r p ang sco hib &c protector, rev. non defitient oliva sep 3 1658, shepherd with his flock under an olive tree, landscape in background, 22 x 20mm, 6.21g (Lessen, BNJ 1982, p.152 and pl. i, 1, this piece; Nathanson p.30; MI I, 433/82; v. Loon II, 420; E 202a). About extremely fine and extremely rare; with integral suspension loop
£3,000-£5,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The North Yorkshire Moors Collection of British Coins.

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Collection

Provenance: A. Morrison Collection, Part I, Christie’s Auction, 23 July 1965, lot 5; SNC October 1970 (11571).

Cromwell died on 3 September 1658, but his state funeral was not held until 23 November. We lack official documentation or Simon invoices for this issue, but it was probably made for certain officials at the funeral procession. Then again, these could have been a private commission. It is thought that at least six gold medals are known, as well as one each in copper and lead. There are later cast copies in gold and other metals, but all struck medals are original. Simon also made Cromwell’s death mask