| Description |
Benjamin Franklin's Source Book For Continental Currency DesignsFrankfurt: Ammonius, 1661. 102 leaves illustrating 100 emblems based on plants. [bound with] Symbolorum & Emblematum ex Animalibus Quadrupedibus Desumtorum Centuria Altera Collecta. Frankfurt: Ammonius, 1661. 103, (1) leaves illustrating 100 emblems based on quadrupeds. [bound with] Symbolorum & Emblematum ex Volatilibus et Insectis Desumtorum Centuria Tertia Collecta. Frankfurt: Ammonius, 1672. 104 leaves illustrating 100 emblems based on winged animals and insects. [bound with] Symbolorum et Emblematum ex Aquatilibus et Reptilibus Desumtorum Centuria Quarta. Frankfurt: Ammonius, 1661. (1), 100, (2) leaves illustrating 100 emblems based on amphibians and reptiles. Four works, bound in one volume. Small 4to [14.5 by 20 cm], contemporary full vellum; hand-lettered spine. Each work with a finely engraved allegorical title leaf, followed by 100 finely engraved emblems generally given in circular form of about 7 cm diameter; woodcut initials. Second work lacks leaf D1. Boards somewhat bowed; first title with lower third missing; some browning; otherwise a near fine example copy. Benjamin Franklin used a later edition of this work in his own library to develop the emblems and mottoes for the $1 through $7 Continental Currency notes, as well as the face of the $30 notes. This volume brings together all four of Camerarius's books of emblems, all of them very attractively illustrated with finely executed engravings. This copy of Camerarius was on display in the Newman Money Museum, and laid into it are some notes and labels used in that regard. See Eric P. Newman's Early Paper Money of America, pages 78-79 (fifth edition) for more information on Franklin's sources. Estimate $2,000. Ex: Swann Galleries (1/1966); Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15166 (realized $1440).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11321 |
