The Vanity Productions of Joseph Florimond Loubat

Joseph Florimond Loubat (1831-1927) is known for writing and publishing Medallic History of the United States 1776-1876. At the time of publication, it became the standard reference on the topic.

Loubat also published two self promoting volumes with copies of personal letters, documents and certificates to honor Loubat. There is no narrative and no translation from the various languages included. These later vanity books by Loubat are almost unknown in the numismatic community and not represented in numismatic literature sales. Shown are two copies of each volume with four binding variants.

Loubat commissioned two bronze medals with his image. Like his books, they were produced by Loubat to promote Loubat.

The vanity books and medals were donated to individuals and institutions. There is no record of public sales at the time of issue.

Thanks for your kind words about my exhibit on "Collecting Twentieth Century World Coins in 1940". I was pleased and surprised by all the interest it generated, and it was satisfying that the work it takes to make an exhibit was appreciated so much. I pointed out to my wife that even though it received second place in the dreaded catch-all Class 18, it only lost out to the exhibit that eventually won Best of Show! The literature displayed in the exhibit was as difficult to find as the coins and envelopes.