One folding engraved plate. Title printed in red & black. Double-page title, 14, 364, [1], 61, 925, [1], 485, [1] pp. Four parts in one vol. Thick 8vo, cont. calf (one corner worn, some browning due to the quality of the paper), single gilt fillet round sides, spine nicely gilt. Celle: J.G. Passin, 1744.

The very rare auction catalogue of the monumental collection of ancient and modern medals and coins formed by Gerhard Wolter Molanus (1633-1722), the influential Lutheran theologian and abbot of Loccum. After Molanus' death, the collection passed to his disciple and nephew Justus Christoph Boehmer (1671-1732), who succeeded his uncle as abbot of Loccum.

This was an enormously valuable collection; we know that upon Molanus' death his estate has to pay the very large sum of 66,000 thalers in taxes on the collection. More about Numo Phylacium Molano-Boehmerianum a S.T. Gerardo Woltero Molano liberi atque imperialis coenobii...

Numerous woodcut illus. of coins, block printed in colors. 50; 37; 29: 29; 53; 31; 18; 48 folding leaves. Seven vols. 8vo, orig. pale blue paper wrappers (some rubbing), title labels on upper covers, new stitching. N.p.: [from the author’s private press], 1810.

First edition of this finely illustrated work; it is a catalogue of Japanese gold and silver coins. Our copy is notable for having the illustrations of the silver coins delicately heightened with mica [kira zuri]; not all copies have this special feature.

Morishige (1771-1829), chief librarian for the Tokugawa clan and high ranking government official, is most famous for his expedition to Hokkaido. More about Kingin zuroku [trans.: An Album of Gold & Silver Coins

16 p.l., 398 pp.; 27 pp. Two parts in one vol. 8vo, cont. calf (extremities a little rubbed), contrasting leather lettering piece on spine. Rouen: A. Maurry for L. Billaine, 1678.

Third edition (1st ed.: 1664) “of the earliest extant bibliography of bibliographies. It is basically an alphabetical list, arranged by authors’ first names, followed by eight intricate subject indices, among them one of publishers’ and booksellers’ catalogues. Appended is a very useful numismatic bibliography. The work enjoyed three later editions during the seventeenth century and provided the basis for Teissier. Labbé (1607-67), one of the most learned polymaths of his time, was... More about Bibliotheca Bibliothecarum Curis secundis auctior. Accedit Bibliotheca Nummaria in duas Partes...

Five head-pieces, one tail-piece, two folding maps, three folding plates (all engraved), & three folding printed tables. 4 p.l., xix, 302 pp., one leaf of errata. 8vo, cont. marbled sheep (head of lower joint a little split), flat spine richly gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Paris: Bossange, 1806.

First edition of an important book on the Crimea; it also contains descriptions of previously unrecorded coins and medals from the area. Reuilly (1780-1810), man of letters and diplomat, traveled extensively in eastern Europe. In 1803, Reuilly joined the staff of the Duc de Richelieu, the recently named governor of Odessa. Befriended by... More about Voyage en Crimée et sur les Bords de la Mer Noire, pendant l’année 1803; suivi d’un...