1740

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Source:

Title: Coin
Illustrator: -
Engraver: Nicolaas van Swinderen [von Schwindern]
Location: Haarlem
Year: 1740
Links: [Scan 1], [Scan 2].

Comments:

William Blades (1869) describes the obsverse of this coin as ‘The bust of Coster to the left, with cap on his head, and official fur collar over his shoulders, placed upon a pedestal bearing the words ALTER CADMUS. Behind the bust is a printing-press, and to the right is a wreath of laurel and a pot of flowers, upon which is the letter H. In front is a serpent, tail in mouth, placed against a pile of books, upon which burns an antique lamp. By the side of the lamp is an open volume bearing the words : SP : ONS BEH : NIS 1440. The legend is : # LAUR. I. COSTERUS. CONS. HARLEM. TYPOGR. INVENT. AD' AN : MDCCCCXL.’ (Plate 2I). A description can be found on page 30.

Christian Friedrich Gessner (1740) shows an illustration in volume 4, Table 1, number V. A description can be found in volume 3, page 176-177. William Blades suggests that there is a letter H on the flowervase. It looks like an S to me? Gessner describes that the vase contains Sempervivum. It might also refer to the medailleur Nicolaas van Swinderen?

The Dutch Rijksmuseum has an etching/gravure by Jan Wandelaar, dated 1740. It is not clear which book contains this page.

Technique:

Casting?

Literature:

References:

Blades, William (1869) A list of medals, jettons, tokens, & c., in connection with printers and the art of printing. London. (see Plates 2I).

Gessner, Christian Friedrich (1740) Die so nöthig als nützliche Buchdruckerkunst und Schriftgiezerey, mit ihren Schriften, Formaten und allen dazu gehörigen Instrumenten Volume 4, Table I, number V. A description can be found in volume 3, page 176-177.