Numismatum (Amsterdam, 1683)
Catalogus librorum (…) Petri de Graaf (…), p. 77, no. 296 (Libri Miscellanei in Duodecimo &c.)
This popular work by the French doctor Charles Patin (1633-1693) was unmissable in the library of a coin collector. Pieter indeed had a passion for collecting coins and commemorative medals. His collection was extensive and his probate inventory included cabinets specifically for storing and showcasing these items. These cabinets were prominently displayed in the Grand Salon, also known as the ‘Groote Kamer’, adjacent to the library. Pieter frequently made entries in his almanacs about the coins and medals he acquired or wished to acquire. An example is dated 23 June 1671, when he wrote to his brother Jacob who was in Paris at the time. In his letter, he reminded Jacob about some French medals he was interested in adding to his collection (ACA 76, inv. nr. 191 (1671), 23 June). This book was therefore one of the books he must have consulted himself.
Browse through Charles Patin's Introductio ad Historia Numismatum (Amsterdam, 1683)
Consult and download the annotated transcription of Pieter de Graeff's book auction catalogue here.
References and further reading:
C. Dekesel 1993. 'Charles Patin, een numismaat uit de 17de eeuw', in EGMP Jaarboek 1993, pp. 17-23
C. Piccoli, Pieter de Graeff (1638-1707) and his treffelyke bibliotheek: Exploring and reconstructing an early modern private library as a book collection and as a physical space (Leiden: Brill, 2025).
Written by Chiara Piccoli