THE MEDALLIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1776–1876
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The One Hundred Greatest Items Of United States Numismatic Literature Rank: Number 23
Clain-Stefanelli 15073*, Davis 631, Grierson 268, Sigler 1596
Loubat’s investigation into American medals awarded by Congress, eighty-six in all (with a small number of exceptions), is yet another proof that our numismatic ancestors took their work very seriously. Loubat painstakingly uncovered the original documents associated with each of these medals, and more than that, produced a magnificent two volume set of the highest technical quality with splendid engravings. So admired was the work that a separate book, The Magnum Opus of Joseph Florimond Loubat, detailing Loubat’s efforts was produced by John Adams, et al, a beautiful leaf edition of which Loubat himself would be proud. A necessary warning must be conveyed regarding the 1967 Flayderman reprint, the alleged quality of which Charles Davis called “the greatest bibliophilic lie in numismatics.” While the text has been faithfully reproduced, the reprint preserves not the slightest hint of the grandeur of the original presentation. Thankfully, Adams’ 2007 tribute resurrects the legacy of Loubat to its rightful position in the bibliophilic pantheon.
1st Edition
Photo courtesy of Heritage.
LOUBAT, J. F. THE MEDALLIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1776–1876. BY J.F. LOUBAT, LL.D. MEMBER OF THE NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY. KNIGHT COMMANDER OF ST. STANISLAUS OF RUSSIA. KNIGHT OF THE FIRST CLASS OF THE CROWN AND OF FREDERICK OF WÜRTTEMBERG. KNIGHT OF THE LEGION OF HONOR OF FRANCE. WITH 170 ETCHINGS BY JULES JACQUEMART.
New York: The Author, 1878
Two volumes: Volume 1 Text: 478,8pp; Volume 2 Plates: 86pp, with tissue guards
Folio: 38.5 x 29 cm
Hardbound: Orange cloth, lettered in gilt
Loubat's Medallic History is another bibliographical conundrum. From the varied title pages and what is or is not bound in, it appears that editions were not all bound at issue. The prospectus has been seen bound in, and three different title pages have been seen. Eight page supplement of testimonials is found in the second issue along with an additions and text corrections slip. In some second issues, the text has not been corrected although the correction page is bound in.[1]
As was done with Crosby's Early Coins Of America, it appears that the title pages and text corrections have been the only changes. The 1878 title is considered to be the first issue, the 1880 title is considered to be the second issue, and the 1881 title is considered to be the third issue.
Title Pages
| 1878 Title Page | 1880 Title Page | 1881 Title Page |
| The Medallic History Of The United States Of America, 1776–1876. By J.F. Loubat, Ll.D. Member Of The New-York Historical Society. Knight Commander Of St. Stanislaus Of Russia. Knight Of The First Class Of The Crown And Of Frederick Of Württemberg. Knight Of The Legion Of Honor Of France. With 170 Etchings By Jules Jacquemart. | The Medallic History Of The United States Of America, 1776–1876. By J.F. Loubat, Ll.D. Member Of The New-York Historical Society. Corresponding Member Of The Massachusetts Historical Society. Knight Of The First Class Of The Crown And Of Frederick Of Württemberg. Knight Commander Of St. Stanislaus Of Russia. Knight Commander Of The Second Class Of Wasa Of Sweden. Knight of the Crown of Italy. And Of The Legion Of Honor Of France. With 170 Etchings By Jules Jacquemart. | The Medallic History Of The United States Of America, 1776–1876. By J.F. Loubat, Ll.D. Member Of The New-York Historical Society. Corresponding Member Of The Massachusetts Historical Society. Knight Commander Of Danilo Of Montenegro, Of St. Stanislaus Of Russia, And Of Wasa Of Sweden. Knight Officer Of The Lion Of Zaehringen Of Baden, Of The Crown Of Bavaria, Of The Crown Of Prussia, Of Albert Of Saxony, And Of The Crown And Of Frederic Of Württemberg. Knight Of The Danebrog Of Dane-Mark (sic), Of The Crown Of Italy, And Of The Legion Of Honor Of France. With 170 Etchings By Jules Jacquemart. |
Deluxe Editions
Photo courtesy of Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers.
New York: 1878, 1881
Two volumes: Volume 1 Text: 478,8pp; Volume 2 Plates: 86pp, with tissue guards
Folio: 36 x 27 cm
Hardbound: Matching crimson full levant morocco, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, slipcase
It is not known if Loubat had 'Deluxe' bindings commissioned, or if he simply had presentation copies bound as needed. No combination of text and two binding variants of any presentation editions have been the same, alluding to Loubat having them bound at different times.[2]
There are three known deluxe copies.[3]
Seen deluxe, or presentation, editions:
1878 First issue. Matching crimson gilt and marbled endpapers. Kolbe 59, Lot 127.
1878 Second issue. Matching maroon levant half morocco, mottled endpapers. Fanning 1, Lot 224.
1881 Third issue. Matching crimson full levant morocco, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, slipcase. Kolbe & Fanning 120, Lot 461
ref The Asylum, Winter 2007.
1967 Reprint
Photo courtesy of NBS Member.
New Milford, CT: Flayderman, 1967
Text and plates in single volume: 460pp, 86pl
Octavo!
Hardbound: Brown cloth, dust jacket
The dust jacket on this reprint contains what is considered the greatest bibliophilic lie in numismatics.[4]
References
- ↑ FANNING, David F. AUCTION SALE I, October 28, 2008. Lot 224.
- ↑ FANNING, David F. AUCTION SALE I, October 28, 2008. Lot 224.
- ↑ Numismatic Bibliomania Society. THE ASYLUM, Winter 2007.
- ↑ DAVIS, Charles. AMERICAN NUMISMATIC LITERATURE. AN ANNOTATED SURVEY OF AUCTION SALES, Quarterman, 1992.