Commonwealth (1649-1660) crown, silver coin, dated 1653 with Sun mint mark used from 1649 to 1657.
Obverse ("heads" side): Shield of Saint George’s cross with wreath around, Sun mint mark above followed by the legend in English: THE . COMMONWEALTH . OF . ENGLAND .
Reverse ("tails" side): Joined shields of Saint George’s cross and the Harp of Ireland, V. above, 1653 followed by the legend in English: GOD . WITH . VS .
Ref No: INV.15752
Another fascinating case study in the museum collection is coins that were minted during the Commonwealth (1649–53), such as this silver crown.
There is a very deliberate break with the traditional coinage of the monarchy.
Removed are the Latin inscriptions, in favour of English, and the bust of the monarch is no longer on the obverse (although on coins authorised from 1656 onwards during the Protectorate, minted in 1657/1658, show a return to convention with a bust of Oliver Cromwell). This earlier, simpler design shows the shields of Saint George’s cross and the Harp of Ireland side by side.
The legend (inscription on the coin) simply states: ‘The Commonwealth of England. God with us’.