The E-Sylum:  Volume 4, Number 15, April 8, 2001, Article 16

EARLIEST AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION? 

   Eric P. Newman writes: "In my library there may be the 
   earliest piece of American numismatic literature containing 
   an illustration.   The woodcut illustration is not of a coin or 
   paper money but of the 1756 hanging of the notorious 
   "Owen Sullivan" for counterfeiting in New York.  It is 
   illustrated on a plate in Kenneth Scott's,  "Counterfeiting in 
   Colonial America."  My pamphlet is entitled  "A Short 
   Account of the Life of John ____, Owen Syllavan, etc.", 
   published in Boston in 1756. Only one other copy  is 
   known according to published bibliographical  research. 
   There are many earlier American publications on money 
   which have no illustrations. The Colonial Laws of 
   Massachusetts have illustrations of paper money but they 
   are not numismatic and include a range of subjects. Naturally 
   there are many earlier European numismatic publications with 
   illustrations. Can any of our bibliomaniacs confirm, refute or 
   throw further light on this situation? I would be appreciative." 

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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