Lucke, Sylloge numismatum elegantiorum, Strassburg, 1620, contemporary vellum

LUCKE, JOHANN JACOB. Sylloge Numismatum Elegantiorum quae Diversi Impp. Reges, Principes Comites, Respublicae diversas ob causas ab Anno 1500, ad Annum usque 1600 cudi fecerunt, Concinnata & historia narratione (sed brevi) illustrata. Opera ac studio Joannis Jacobi Luckii Argentoratensis. Strassburg: Johann Repp, 1620

FIRST EDITION of this numismatic treatise which surveys the history of sixteenth-century Europe through coinage, and largely draws on the collection of its author, Johann Jacob Lucke (1574-1653), numismatist and genealogist, illustrated by Friedrich Brentel (1580-1651). The work is structured chronologically and Lucke uses numismatics to present a history of Europe comprised of biographies of kings, queens and politicians, and accounts of significant political events and battles.

Folio (308 x 185 mm). Roman and italic type. Collation: a-c⁴ A-Z⁴ Aa-Yy⁴ (2Y2 + χ²) Zz⁴ 2χ¹ Aaa-Bbb⁴ 3χ¹: 208 leaves. Engraved title-page, engraved armorial on a2, woodcut initials and headpieces, numerous engraved illustrations of coins throughout. (Title-page slightly frayed at fore-edge and becoming detached, failing repair to large tear at Cc1, small tear to foot of Ii4, small tears to foot and fore-edge of 3χ1, dampstaining throughout, browned.)

Binding: Contemporary vellum (315 x 194 mm), foredge flaps, label to spine with manuscript title. (Binding slightly soiled, spine label worn.)

Provenance: G.C. Sigler, signature on title. Acquisition: Purchased in 1968 from a bookshop in Germany. References: VD17 23:232008R