| Description |
An Original Subscription Set of Crosby As Published in Printed Paper CoversBoston: Published by the New England Numismatic and Archaeological Society, 1873 / Published by the Author, 1875. 4to [30.5 by 24.5 cm], as originally issued in 11 fascicules numbered 1-12 with printed paper covers. 1873 and 1875 title pages and introductions present. (2), v, (5), 11-381, (1) pages [different pages (2), v, (1), comprising the revised title and introduction, laid into Fascicule 11-12]; 110 wood engravings in the text; 2 folding heliotype manuscript facsimiles; 10 fine heliotype plates of coins and tokens. Housed in a black cloth slipcase. An original subscription set of Crosby's masterpiece, the foundation upon which all subsequent works on early American coinage have been built. Entirely in its original state. The Early Coins of America was not intended to be the work of Crosby alone. Appointed the head of a committee of six by the New England Numismatic and Archaeological Society and charged with publishing a work on early American coinage, Crosby soon found himself alone in the pursuit. Not only was the research and composition of the work done almost entirely by Crosby, ultimately he also had to publish it. The 12 parts (as issued in 11) were published separately and distributed to subscribers in printed wraps: it was left to the subscriber to eventually bind his or her copy upon completion. Very few sets remain extant as here in their original state. State with overprinted coin numbers on Plates IV and V (see Eric P. Newman's "Bibliographical Foreword" to the 1983 Quarterman reprint for information on plate states). Coin 15a on Plate VII hand-numbered in pencil, apparently as always. Without the handwritten correction, occasionally seen, to Miss Eliza Susan Quincy's name in the subscribers' list on page 381. Clain-Stefanelli 12115*. Davis 291. Grierson 218. Sigler 603. Parts 11 & 12, as issued in one fascicule, with detached (but present) front cover. Generally an exceptionally fine, well-preserved set. Estimate $12,000 Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Heritage Auctions 11/2018 (Newman XI), lot15196 (realized $9600).
Heritage link: http://www.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1283&lotIdNo=11001 |
