VAILLANT, Jean Foy (1632-1706). Nummi antiqui familiarum romanarum perpetuis interpretationibus illustrati.Amsterdam: G. Gallet, 1703.

Vaillant’s major work on ancient Roman coins, bound for his patron the Duc de Maine.Vaillant studied medicine but developed a passion for ancient Roman coins as a student. Noted for his erudition, Vaillant made several trips under the patronage of Colbert and Louis XIV to Italy, Sicily, Greece, Egypt, Persia, Holland, and England in search of rare coins. His journeys were not without serious dangers: he was kidnapped by Barbary pirates during his second trip to North Africa in 1674 and spent four and a half months in slavery, regaining his freedom only on the intervention of the dey of Algiers. Vaillant was attached to the Cabinet of Medals of the Duc de Maine (for whom this copy was bound), and in 1684 he was appointed to the Royal Cabinet of Medals and charged with cataloging the collection. Vaillant was appointed to the Académie des inscriptions upon its official creation in July 1701. Olivier 2603-8.

Two volumes, folio (365 x 225mm). Half-title, engraved allegorical title, title in red and black with engraved vignette, 152 engraved plates, and numerous engraved vignettes. Contemporary French brown morocco, all edges gilt, with the arms of the Duc du Maine on covers (light wear to headcaps, boards sunned and lightly rubbed). Provenance:Louis Auguste de Bourbon, Duc du Maine (1670-1736; binding) – Archibald Philip Primrose, Earl of Rosebery (1847-1929; bookplate).