How to Identify the Broad

What It Is

The Broad was an English gold coin worth twenty shillings, struck during the Commonwealth period under Oliver Cromwell and briefly continued after the Restoration of Charles II, before being replaced by the guinea in 1663. It gets its name from its comparatively wide, thin shape relative to earlier gold coins of similar value.

Obverse Design

Commonwealth-period Broads issued under Cromwell show his laureate portrait in profile, styled somewhat like a Roman emperor, with a Latin legend naming him as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Restoration-era Broads instead show the portrait of Charles II with his own royal titles.

Reverse Design

The reverse typically features a crowned shield of arms, reflecting whichever government issued the coin - a plain shield style under the Commonwealth, and the royal arms under the restored monarchy, marking a clear visual break between the two political eras.

Size, Weight, Metal & Edge

Struck in gold, the Broad weighs approximately 9 grams and has a noticeably broad, thin profile compared to earlier hammered gold unites and laurels. Significantly, the Broad was among the first English coins produced using a mechanical screw press rather than hand hammering, giving it a more uniform round shape and, on some issues, a lettered or decorated edge meant to deter clipping.

Mint Marks & Dating

Because Broads were produced using mill-and-screw technology, many carry a clear numeral date rather than relying solely on privy marks, making them easier to date directly compared to earlier hammered gold coins from preceding reigns.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The Broad's machine-made roundness and thin, wide flan distinguish it from earlier hand-hammered gold coins like the Unite or Laurel, which are thicker and less perfectly circular. Comparing the portrait - Cromwell's laureate bust versus a king's crowned image - also helps identify which period a Broad belongs to.

Grading at a Glance

Because Broads were struck by machine, well-preserved examples show a crisp, even strike across the entire design. Look at the sharpness of the portrait's hair or wreath detail and the clarity of the shield's outline; genuine high-grade pieces show minimal flatness on these raised areas and strong, legible edge lettering where present.

Authenticity Red Flags

Given the historical value of Cromwell gold Broads in particular, be cautious of pieces with an uneven or hand-hammered appearance rather than the crisp, mechanically round shape expected from milled coinage. Incorrect weight, a portrait style inconsistent with known Cromwell or Charles II coinage, or a poorly matched edge treatment are all warning signs worth investigating further, especially given how frequently the Cromwell portrait has been reproduced in later commemorative pieces.