DYK… left-facing is the way?

In 1653 after many years of Civil War, the British Parliament named Oliver Cromwell the Lord Protector of the realm, which included parts of Ireland, and Scotland. He refused a crown the Parliament offered him to become the next King and ruled as Lord Protector until his death in 1658.

Cromwell’s son was granted the title of Lord Protector upon his father’s death but proved inept.

Without proper leadership, the Royal Family was restored to power by Parliament and King Charles II took the throne in 1660.

At that time Charles II began the tradition of positioning the image of the sovereign in opposition to their predecessor on all minted and printed currency.

Cromwell’s bust portrait was minted left-facing, and so Charles II was minted right-facing on the new coinage.

Throughout the line of King’s and Queen you can see the tradition upheld.

Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait was minted right-facing, and so King Charles III’s portrait is now minted left-facing.

Ergo – left-facing is the way… for now. Long live the King.

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