Oliver Cromwell Pattern Shilling, 1858, Tower Mint
Obverse: Laureate and draped bust of Cromwell facing right; around, OLIVAR D G RP ANG SCO HIB &c PRO
Reverse:Ornate crowned shield quartered with the cross of St George (1 and 4), cross of St. Andrew and Irish harp; with the Protector's family arms, a lion rampant, at the centre; around, PAX QVAERITVR BELLO 1658, the date being divided by the cross on the top of the crown. (translation: peace is sought by war)
Even though many circulated, the Cromwell issues are classed as patterns, as they were not tested in the trial of the pyx nor were they mentioned in the proclamation for the withdrawal of the coinage of the Commonwealth in 1661. A shilling is a 12 pence coin.
