Numismata, a discourse of medals, ancient and modern together with some account of heads and effigies of illustrious, and famous persons in sculps, and taille-douce, of whom we have no medals extant, and of the use to be derived from them : to which is added a digression concerning physiognomy / by J. Evelyn, Esq. ...

CHAP. VII. (Book 7)

Of MINTS, and of the most Skilful Artists, Authors, Collectors and Collections; How to Methodize and Dispose of Medals for the Cabinet and Library, with some Reflections on the Modern Clipping and Diminution of Coin. (Book 7)

AMONGST the many admirable and useful Inventi∣ons of the Antients, the loss of the Mechanical Part of the Mint is to be deplor'd; but more, that since the breaking in of those barbarous People who were the Cause of this Loss, and of that glorious Empire, it was not restor'd to any tole∣rable Form or Regulation by any more honest and skilful Un∣dertakers, than such as were first Employ'd about the Money, especially in these Northern Parts, and here in England, at that time so little polish'd and so very ignorant, as not to discern how greatly they were abused and imposed on, whilst they totally committed the Coynage and Management of the Mint to certain cunning and avaritious Iews, Genoeses and crafty Italians not at all inferior to the Iews in all the Arts of knavery and dis∣honest Gain.

It was by these that Princes were universally circumvented, and under pretence of bringing vast Advantages to the Publick, persuaded to admit of these many Alterations, Debasement of the Species and Advancement of the Coin above its genuine and universal Value, which never ended without the Loss, Impove∣rishment and Ruin of their Subjects, whilst those Miscreants grew excessively Rich by their Frauds and Extortions. It must therefore be confess'd, that we know little more of the Antient Mint, Greek or Roman; than that every Capital City of the Pro∣vinces had commonly their respective Mints, and some of them two or three (as OF. II. III. IIII. &c.) besides other peculiar Marks. For those of Old, the place of Minting we frequently find in the Circular Inscriptions at large, e. g. in that of M. Antoninus LVGDVNI. and in the Exerg. P. or S. TR. Signata or Percussa Treveris. P. AR. Arles, as in one of Helena (Mother of Constantine) CON. OB. Constantinopoli Obsignata.

M.S. ANT. Antioch, with the Numerals 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. the like of other great Cities, as of the Latin MD. PS Mediolani percussa, and many besides, which, tho' carrying on them the Names of Spain, Germany, Aegypt, Arabia and other remote places, might yet for all that, be Roman Coins and Medals, not seldom bearing the Figure or Symbolum representing the Province, as that of the Cony did Spain, which the Learned Bochartus derives from Saphan in the Phoenician Tongue, to signify that little Ani∣mal abounding in that Country.

These Monetariae Officinae had their Praefecti Aerarii (Instituted by Augustus) Quaestors, Treasurers and other Officers belonging to them; but the Great and Paramount Superintendent Magi∣strate of them all, was the Triumvir, Master indeed of the Mint, and of all the Flandi, Feriundi periti, having the sole Fabrication of all the three Metals, and was of such high Authority, that he frequently stamp'd Money and Medals, bearing his own Head and Effigies, Names and Titles like a King; but this Priviledge was exceedingly abated by that Emperor, who after he had divided the Government of the Provinces between him and the Senate, leaving to them the Coining of Copper only, reserved that of Gold and Silver as Royal Metals to himself; wherefore very rare∣ly or never, find we any of their Names after Tiberius, tho' the Roman Coin was a long time after current here. Those of Silver therefore, in which we sometimes meet the Triumvir, S.C. or in those Copper with TRIB. POTEST, &c. we may look upon as struck before Augustus's time.

The like Offices we are told by Cambden were settled here at London by the Great Constantine, who, as appears, Coin'd Mo∣ney in the City in Honor of his Father, P. LOND. S. Pecunia Londini Signata, or P.L.N. under the Comes Largitionum, toge∣ther with the glorious Title of Praepositus Thesaur. Augustensium in Britannia.

Since the Decadency of the Empire, the Antient Money bare ordinarily the Prince's Head, sometimes his Name only, and upon the Reverse a blunt Cross or like Figure, with notice of the Place where it was Coin'd, and in others, the Name of the Monetarie and none else (Triumvir-like) very frequent in our Saxon Coins, and those of the Franks, with sometimes a Me fecit, which perhaps might be that of the Graver.

Procopius tells us that the Kings of France did not set their Pi∣ctures at all upon their Money, till they had first obtain'd Leave of the Emperor Iustinian, tho' le Blanc denies it; and even with

us, when most of the great and considerable Payments were made Honestly (that is by Weight) it was without any Head or Effigies, whether Gold or Silver.

As in France, where they still employ divers Mints, Capital Letters A. B. C. &c. (without altering the Inscription) shew the place of Coining, as Paris, Lions, Tholouse, Aix, Amiens, Nants, Bourdeaux, Poitiers, &c. In like manner with us in England, there were divers Countries and Cities (besides London) where Money was Stamp'd; some upon Occasion for a Time only; others that had Ius Monetae, by peculiar Priviledge. We had a considerable Mint at Calais in Picardy, and in some places more than One, for London had no fewer than Eight; Canter∣bury as many within one, Five belonging to the King, the other to the Archbishop and Abbot. Rochester had Three, Two the Kings, One the Prelates. Dover, Reculver in Kent, in Essex, Chichester, Lewes, Hastings, One. York, Wallingford, Ipswich, Shaftsbury, Shrewsbury, Darby, Leicester, Worcester, Lincoln, Nor∣wich, Exceter, Chester, &c. and as Cowell tells us, there were Mints erected all over the Kingdom, and wherever the King's Council thought convenient; for those numerous Fabricks were always very chargeable and highly prejudicial to the Pub∣lick by reason of the Corruption, and therefore wiser Princes restrained them to as few, and as soon as possibly they could. King Charles the First, Coin'd indeed both at Oxford, Newark, Shrewsbury, and I think at York and Pontfract, but it was in case of Necessity, whilst the standing Mother-Mint was, and still con∣tinues at the Tower, where yet no Gold had been stamp'd be∣fore Edward the Third; some affirm him to have been the first who Coin'd Groats, tho' smaller Pieces were in use since Henry the First, and afterwards Half-pence and Farthings, of which, and all other obsolete, small and wretchedly minted Coins, British, Saxon, Danish, &c. see the Notes before Cambden already mentioned, and what we find in his Remains concerning our Mint at present in the Tower; the Author of England's Notitia, gives a particular Account, and of the several Officers and Esta∣blishments there, together with their Salaries (very accurately as I believe) which as to the matter, I have somewhere read, was heretofore a certain Portion of the Bullion; and in France (where they had Laws innumerable for the Reglement of their Mints and Money) the One and Twentieth Part; and the Offi∣cers elected by the Counts and Governors of the Provinces, who sware them about the Alloy, and sometimes stamp'd their own

Names and Effigies upon the Coin, with variety of Inscriptions and Reverses, especially in those of Henry the Third.

And now we have mention'd Laws relating to the Mints, one cannot without just Indignation, but deplore the unsufferable Abuse of it, by that cursed Race and Swarms of Clippers, and their Associates in Iniquity, who with an Insolence unparallel'd, and such as perhaps no Age or Record of History (that of Henry the Third's excepted, yet not coming up to this Degree) ever mention'd, persist and go on still to justify their Practice (as if it were no Crime at all) tho' one of the most wicked, injuri∣ous and diabolical Villanies Men can be guilty of. For (as a Learned Person shews) Money being the common Pledge and Pawn between Man and Man,* 1.1 becomes the Standard and Mea∣sure of the Worth and Value of every thing besides; as often, and as long as they stand in mutual need of any thing another doth posse••s, for a just and reasonable Compensation. For as to the Effigies and Image of the Prince, it ought not to be look'd upon as merely stamp'd for Ornament or Honor, or to pro∣claim and set forth Titles only, where or when they Reign'd, but as publick Vouchers of the real and intrinsic Value of the Species and Matter according to the constant and general Esti∣mation of the World; the Prerogative being in such manner concredited by the Subject to the Supream Magistrate and Reg∣nant Power, and to none else whatsoever, upon Trust and Confidence of his Justice and Integrity; so as he that either di∣minishes or sophisticates it,* 1.2 does as much as in him lies, make the King as great a Cheat and Impostor as himself, by (as we said) a most ignoble, wicked and devilish Fraud, for which no Punishment seems too great to be inflicted.

Indeed so scrupulously delicate were they of Old, to prevent these Practices, that to protect it from the least Diminution, and to shew how Sacred a Thing it was; the publick Treasures were usually kept in their Temples, as both at Delphi in Greece, Aede Saturni at Rome,* 1.3 and even in that of Ierusalem it self, and in their most sumptuous Sepulchres, which they believed none would prophane and violate, making it highly Capital, and no less than Sacrilege, that what was dedicated to so noble and useful a Purpose (as the Subsistence and Intercourse of all Man∣kind) should be any ways abus'd; thus Dame Moneta became a Goddess, and even Omnipotent, as she still continues, and has innumerable Votaries, who still make her the only Deity they worship. The Romans (as we noted) decreed her a Temple,

accounting her so Venerable, that Tiberius (though dissolute enough) made it Death to carry or spend any thing stamp'd with his Image into the Lupanar, undecently, and to so scan∣dalous a purpose; whereas the Christian Pontif of that Famous City, 'tis said, indulges those infamous Places and Shops of Lewdness, for the Tribute they receive from the wanton Sex. Romana Scorta (says the* 1.4 Author) in singulas hebdomadas Iulium pendent Pontifici; qui census annuus nonnunquam viginti millia ducatorum excedit, &c. a pretty Sum for those times; for I would be loth to affirm it without good Authority. But now, whether it be afterwards Consecrated, how dispos'd of, or pu∣rified by Lustrations and Holy-Water, I do not inquire; only I think, that as the price of a Whore was not to be brought into the Sanctuary; so there's somewhere another Text which tells us, Evil is not to be done,* 1.5 that good may come of it.

That now our current Mill'd Moneys have all this while been less obnoxious to this injurious Practice of Clippers, is certainly due to either a less degenerate Age, or the Contrivance of the Circumscription about the Tranchè or Edge of the thicker Pieces, and Crenneling of the small and thinner, which for ought I know, is Modern, and its Inventor (who ever he were) wor∣thy the Honor of Medal himself; whether due to Monsieur Blondeau, our Industrious Rawlins, or Symon (Brother to the late squalid Embosser) Gravers of the Royal Mint to King Charles the First and Second, or improv'd by the Direction of (Sir Ralph Freeman's Successor) Mr. Slingsby, to whom I suggested the Decus & Tutamen out of a Viniet in Cardinal de Richlieu's* 1.6 Greek Testament, printed at the Louvre, hinder∣ing his intended Addition (in Armis) which neither would have become the Impress, nor stood gracefully in the Circle.

As to the Engine, Mill, Balance and Press now in use (by which not our Tonsors only, Clippers and False Monyers, but sometimes Great Persons among them were much defeated of their Practice in France) whether arrogated or justly chal∣lenged by Monsieur le Blanc, to have been the Invention of his Country Men, I undertake not positively to determin; since I find Hierom Cardan, speaking of one at Venice (where that Noble Mint, the Zeccha is Establish'd) who long since (he says) devised an Engine, which both Stamp'd, Cut and Rounded Money by one Operation only, for which he was Rewarded by the

State (as well he deserv'd) with an ample Pension: But that it was first of all set up, and practised here with us, before the French, is ingeniously acknowledg'd.

The Combination of those concern'd, was it seems so power∣ful, as to engage, not only the Hammer-men, but the very Court of Monyers it self to decry and damn the Invention, so that Monsieur Briot, who pretends to be the Author, and had in∣deed given so many convincing Proofs of the perfections of it (superior to all others for preventing the Mischief of Diminu∣tion) being discourag'd, and despairing of Success, came over into England, where he set up his Machine, and made the No∣blest Money in the World: Nor had France, perhaps till this day, used the Invention, if (out of meer shame of their Mi∣stake and Reproach) their Great Chancellor Seguier had not ob∣liged them to re-call, and at the same instant erect it at Paris, which was about the Year 1645. when first they began in ear∣nest to leave the Hammer, and fell to stamping their Golden Lovises, and since that, to imitate our Circumscription about the Edge, of which I have already spoken.

But this Abuse of Coin was it appears so universal, that in the time of Charlemain (tho' at no time so notoriously scandalous, as with us at this day) the Emperor order'd that no Money should thenceforth be made, but in his own Court (and there is a Piece inscrib'd Palatina Moneta) so as wheresoever the Prince removed, the Mint with all its Instruments and Work∣men followed; which calls to mind, how in almost the like Circumstance the late French King Lewis XIII. did not think his Mint secure from these wicked Practices, until he had hous'd it in the Louvre, which that great and worthy Minister and Vir∣tuoso, Monsieur de Noyers, plac'd in the same Apartment with the Royal Printing-House; that (as my* 1.7 Author adds) he might allie together Two of the most universal and most per∣manent Monuments of Kings, Books and Money, spreading them∣selves over all Nations, and remaining for many Ages. The excessive Abuses found in the Years 1635 and 39. both in the Title and Weight of the greatest part of the Coin (as well of seve∣ral other Countries as France) which had been changed or de∣stroyed, stood in need of timely Reformation: Nor was it possible to remedy it on the sudden, without putting Commerce into very great Disorder, and was therefore for a while conniv'd at. But as this dexterous and publick-spirited States-man or∣der'd it, he well knew how to derive the greatest Advantage

to the Benefit of the People, and Honor of the King, by Poli∣tickly permitting, and indeed authorizing the Abuse, which could not else have been so easily encounter'd; whilst in the mean time, it invited those of all the neighbouring Countries and States in hope of Gain, to Transport into France all their Light Gold and Silver which they had, and which remained there, by reason of its being decried a few Months after, bear∣ing now the Arms of France, and Effigies of Lewis le Iust, by that noble Conversion which he order'd to be made of it.

Whilst this strange Matter was united to ours, he also sought out and discover'd prompt and easy Expedients of giving it that excellent Form which since it bears, Curing at the same instant, and by the same Remedy, both the present Inconvenience, and that to come. Thus we see that its just and equal Roundness, the Grenetis which is about it, and the Politure which is on the flat of every Piece, not only defends it from the Clipping, the File, and Operation of Strong-Waters, but even renders its Imi∣tation in a manner impossible to our False Coiners; so as we may affirm of this Money, that it is the most Artistly contriv'd, and the most commodious that was ever us'd in Commerce, there being stamp'd in less than four Years time, above an Hun∣dred and Twenty Millions, and that after fifteen or sixteen Years that the War had lasted, and the Kingdom seemed to have been utterly exhausted, &c.

Perhaps this Passage, of which I gave Account more than thirty Years since, in a Dedication to his late Majesty Charles II. might have been taken notice of, the Instance being so pregnant, and so like our present Case

But as some Kings and Emperors were Famous for their Care in reforming these Abuses (Aurelianus calling in all the Coun∣terfeit Money, and giving out New, to obviate the growing Mischief and Confusion) so there were others as Infamous for their not only neglecting it, but for doing worse, in not only conniving at them, but who did themselves vitiate and debase their own Coin. Such of old among the Romans (after the Age of Commodus, whose excesses had so debauch'd the People) were those from Gordian to the Posthumi, when they began to pervert the Standard, which so long as that Wise and Glorious Empire religiously maintain'd it in all its Purity,* 1.8 did infinitely prosper; so as Pliny speaking of the Island of Taprobane, tells us,

that the most Barbarous Nations at vast distance held friendly Commerce and Correspondence with the Romans, looking upon them as just and worthy People from the constant Value, Goodness and Integrity of their Money. But no sooner did they once give way to the adulteration or raising of their Money beyond its real worth; but the Government it self grew degenerate, and soon fell after it; Nor is there a more fatal Symptom of Consumption in a State, than the Corruption and Dimi∣nution of the Coin; under which denomination I comprehend all other Practices on the Species, however dignified by Names and Character. The very Truth is, to put a King's Title or Effi∣gies to unweighty Money, and not of authentic Value, is (as we said) to render the Prince himself a Faux Monoyeur, or as the Learned* 1.9 Pasquiers Expression is, donner un souflet au Roy, and bouffet Majesty. Thus Henry VI. diverted, or perverted ra∣ther, by the mean and beggarly Shift of Alchymy and other So∣phistications, endeavour'd to supply his Extravagances, as after him another profuse Henry of ours, until his Renouned Daughter (by more wholsome Counsel reforming it) reduc'd the Stan∣dard to the Purity of Edward the Fourth. But it was our First Edward, who first of all establish'd the English Sterling from its ambulatory and uncertain Motion and Value, and which all the wiser States of Christendom did imitate afterwards. This calls to mind another Edward (that most hopeful and incom∣parable Prince the Sixth of that name) who having as yet hardly arriv'd to the Thirteenth Year of his Age (upon Consideration of the miserable Plight to which his profuse Father had brought the Coin) took such Care and Pains to inform himself of the State and Condition of the Mint, Exchange and Value of Money, and to Regulate those Matters, as (by turning over the* 1.10 Iournal written in his own Hand) I find among other grave and serious Remarks he did, so far exceeding either the usual Capacity or Years of an Age so Immature, as it reproaches those who being much more Advanc'd, minded nothing but trifling, childish or vicious Diversions.

To step a little back again to the History of these depraved Customs abroad; It was about the Reign of Charles the Simple, that most of the Great ones (especially Governours of Provin∣ces, Castles and principal Cities) took on them to Coin, and looked upon the Priviledge as it were hereditary and indepen∣dent (for so did they sometimes here in England too, tho' it lasted not long) but the Mischief became so insupportable by

reason of the Corruption, that when the King would have ab∣rogated the cause of the Abuse, he found it so very difficult, that he was fain to give it over, and content himself with a small proportion to discharge the Mintage, and this was thought not a little Progress. 'Tis in the mean time evident (as to that of France) they might thank themselves and their perpetual Quarrels with England, from the very Reign of their Famous St. Lewis (and above all, that of Philip the Fair and Charles IX. when we endanger'd France, as it now does us) which mov'd them to debase, and yet to inhance the Value of their Coin, to the unspeakable loss of the Publick, and dishonor of the Prince and Government; the mixtures being two third-parts of Copper to one of Silver, so as three Deniers of the New Money, was not worth above one of the Old, and the Effect was accor∣dingly, namely, an universal Decay of Trade throughout the Nation; and so very odious was the Practice, that within little above an Age past, there being but a very small part of Coin decried in Aquitain; the Detriment was so grievously resented by the People, that they no more computed from the Year of the Lord, but from their Decurtata Moneta, and debasement of the Coin. What prodigious Confusion this unworthy Shift, and false Polity of Raising and Sinking has several times wrought in Spain and Portugal (notwithstanding all that affluence of immense Treasure from both the Indies) the lamentable and astonishing sudden Ruin of that late formidable Monarchy shews, as well as of many private Persons within our remem∣brance, and may in great part be imputed to it; whilst their un∣satiable Avarice, Ambition, Cruelty and Injustice, may and ought to be a Document to other Princes and Potentates, who think to establish their Grandeur by indirect Policies, however for a time, they seem to flourish and carry all before them. But to return to those Corrupters once more.

Henry the Fourth of France began to Reform this Evil, but soon they relaps'd, until the Father of the present King attemp∣ted the Regulation, and at last (not without exceeding Cla∣mour and seditious Commotions) hardly, and with difficulty, effected it. We meet indeed with some fair Pieces of Henry the Second (by some Invention imitating the Press) which were Coin'd in the Iardin des Estuves, An. 1553. But it never arriv'd to perfection, till Mons. Varin, Intendant of the Mint (whom I knew, and who was himself the most Excellent Artist any Age since the Greek and Roman has I think produc'd) took in hand, and

us'd the Mill effectually, as we had in some sort before, wit∣ness those Pieces of our Edward VI. and his Glorious Sister Queen Elizabeth, which we may esteem as Medals: And happy, happy I pronounce that State and Kingdom, whose Princes (as both these, especially the latter) make it their early Care to preserve the Standard, intrinsically valuable, by a Law as Sacred and Inviolable as that of the Medes and Persians. This le Blanc himself acknowledges to have been done in England only of all the Kingdoms, not of Europe alone, but of all the World be∣sides. And undoubtedly, Money, (which is All things in Power and Effect) should be made as near as is possible, of such proportion of Alloy, Weight, Value and Security from Di∣minution, as the Species is worth in Metal, what 'tis pretended to be in Payment, exclusive to the Fabrick, &c. as near as may be, and as when of old, it was cut from the solid Lingot; and then let Men in God's Name traffick freely with it, as with other Commodities, it will never prejudice the State. Where this is honestly observ'd, there will ever be most plenty of Money, and that State and Kingdom the most flourishing: What People then would defile their Fingers with their Monnoy Noire,* 1.11 and other fictitious trash, light and vitiate, however blanch'd with adulterate Mixtures, or endure the genuine Metal should be stretch'd beyond its real Value? The pernicious Consequences of which, is abundantly made out, by that our Learned and Judicious Antiquary, the late Sir Robert Cotton, both before Queen Elizabeth and King Iames the First, and the Lords of the Council; and since by Sir William Petty, whose Catechism (as I beg leave to call it) and Thoughts about this Matter, coincident with that of Sir Christopher Wren, and lately (since the writing of this) the incomparably Judicious and Learned Mr. Lock, with the worthy Author of the Review, I prefer to any thing I have hitherto met with, pretending to answer the present ill-boding Exigences under which we suffer.

It were easie to deduce the Original and Cause, State and Progress of Money it self, from the Rising, Culminating and Meridian, to its decline and almost setting in our Hemisphere, as to Goodness and Integrity: For so it first shone brightest in the East, as we learn from Sacred Writ, when they dealt by Weight; and the most antient Records of History, where there is any Record of Credit from the first and middle Ages; and of the latter, for Species, Character, Value, Fabric, &c. out of Budaeus, Agricola, our Brerewood, Malines, Sir Thomas Roe,

Mr. Vaughan (an Excellent Piece) and Instar Omnium, the most laborious Klockius de Aerario, whither the Curious of An∣tiquity may resort for the Metal, Standard, Coin, Laws, Abuses and Remedies, together with the Charge of the Treasurer, and other both high, subordinate and Inferior Offices and Officers relating to Money; the Consultations of the most politick Princes and States upon the greatest Emergences, and in general, for whatsoever else falls under this ample Subject, in I think all the possible Difficulties which usually arise, incident to this imortant Branch and Nerve of the Power, Justice and Pro∣sperity of a Nation, Historically deduc'd, and that with German Industry. But as it suits not altogether with my purpose to compile a pompous Volume out of so many Authors, as have discuss'd this Argument (and which were easie to do by Men of leisure) so should I not have nam'd them here, but for this Observation, that by the universal Suffrage of them all (I am sure, of the most Learned, Judicious and Able of them all, I dare appeal to all the Politicks from Aristotle to Bodin, and so forth for Two Thousand Years) the raising of the Value of Money at any time beyond its real Worth, has been almost equally decried and condemned with the very worst of Sophistications, Debasing and Diminution of it, and from the constant Expe∣rience of the fatal and destructive Consequences which have ever attended it: One needs but to read the Story of Livius Drusus, the Disorder caus'd by those Practices until Marius Gratidianus, who had his Statue erected by the Commons, to which in Ve∣neration they burnt Incense, for his Care and Regulation about the Mint.

On the other hand, how foul a Stain it left on the very best of the Roman Princes, as oft as they yielded to these false Expe∣dients, their best Historians have acquainted us; nor indeed was it at all to their Credit, that even in their greatest Extre∣mity of the Punic War, they had recourse a while to this ignoble Shift; seldom or rarely practised but by Tyrants, the negli∣gent, vicious and profuse of all that Government, and never failing fore-runners of Calamities ensuing both in the West and Eastern Empire also, from these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and debau∣chers of the Species soon after Constantine to so many Ages, until it was broken at last in Pieces like the Fragments of their antient Coin.

The Divisions and perpetual Quarrels about Religion, be∣tween the Orthodox Arians and other Sects (as now afresh

reviv'd again amongst us) menacing a no less total Subversion, than what let into Europe that Inundation of Saracens, Turks, Goths and other barbarous People, are melancholy Prospects. Let us but compare the Times, Periods and Revolutions, pre∣sent Schisms and other Circumstances of this Degenerate, Fa∣natick and Self-Interess'd Age; and how little of generous and publick Spirit, moral Probity, sober Bravery and true Christian there is among us, with the Causes and Accidents of those De∣solations in the Eastern World (subject to that once Glorious Empire) and see if ever any Age did more resemble it, and whe∣ther something like to Turcism (besids Coffee) do not at last emerge and spring from this Cataclysis and Medly of Opinions abounding among us, and no Religion: Not let us imagine or flatter our selves with an Impossibility of falling into the like Circumstances. Those who lived in those yet flourishing Countries and brighter Days, among the most polish'd Greeks, doubtless as little dreamt it possible that the Successors of the Paaeologi, Cantacuzeni, Noble and High-born Porphyrogeneti should from their Illustrious Race (Heirs of Crowns and Scepters) literally now be keeping Sheep and feeding Camels in barren and sandy Deserts; that the whole Posterity of that once proud and conquering People should lose both their Religion, Country, Laws, Liberty, Ease and Splendor, nay, their very Language and Native Tongue (the most Learned, Copious and Universal under Heaven) in far shorter time than any Nation we ever read, or I think, heard of under it!

Nor am I much departed from my Text by this Preachment or Prophecy (call it which you please) whilst I shew what dread∣ful Confusions naturally flow from, and attend the supine Ne∣gligence of so long suffering this Diminution of our Treasure (which a more timely Care and Thought might have pre∣vented) and extream difficulty of redressing and recovering it to its pristine Course and Value. Obsta Principiis is as infallible an Aphorism for healing of the Body Politick as any in Hippocrates for the Natural; the most dangerous Evils creep now and then insensibly, when if neglected, they oft become irremediable or desperate. The Source of ours is obvious

Concisum Argentum in titulos—

with other concurrent Circumstances;* 1.12 and if the Ruin of the Athenian State was fore-told, because the Rats had gnawn and

eaten Plato's Commonwealth, what may these Vermin, Clippers, Corroders, Regraters, and vile Perverters of the Riches and vital Substance, not of an Ideal, but of a Real Commonwealth and Kingdom fore-bode! I wish at least, it may not prove a fatal Indication (among other Omens) of some surprising and pub∣lick Mischief, if not prevented for the future by some speedy and effectual Course; for 'tis not enough to Coin, Re-coin and make good the Faulty, without future Caution and Sanctions inviolable.

In order to this, I was glad to find that so many able Per∣sons, had by the Prudence of the Lords of the Treasury, been encourag'd to take this Article into their serious Thoughts, and by the Search and Recital of many antient and pertinent Records (we should hardly ever have else inspected) given us the * 1.13 History of our Mint and Coins; whilst tho' I own the great Satisfaction I received in Reading their Judicious Remarks, I must at the same time acknowledge, that I always wish'd there might some Expedient be found, which might (if possible) supply the Necessity of altering the Value and Estimation of the Species beyond its intrinsic Worth, which has (as I have shewed) in all Ages and Exigences proved so mischievous in the Event.

In short, whatever pretends to add or detract from the Value of Money, must of necessity Influence, and insensibly Affect all that's necessary, not only to the well-being, but to the very Form and Essence of a Kingdom. All Pacts and Covenants, Bargains, Obligations, Estates, Rents, Goods, Credit and Cor∣respondences whatsoever (becoming dubious and uncertain) must sink and be at an end: If once People want wherewith to purchase Bread (which includes and comprehends all other Necessaries) the Fisque and publick Treasure supplied by the People suffers in all its Branches and Relations, as the most flourishing Tree does from its wither'd and dried up Roots; and that State and Nation becomes Defence••ess and a Prey-Let France (as formidable as now it seems) be Instance; in the often named Philip the Fair's Reign, when it lay so dan∣gerously expos'd.

'Tis true that of early Days, even here in England, such things had been done: Richard the First corrupted the Coin al∣most Six Hundred Years since; and that after Henry the Second, the First Edward (a Wise and Prudent King) had in good mea∣sure fixt the Standard, and settled uniformity of Money; and

that Noble and Renowned Prince Edward III. stating its Value, did raise it also aliquousque; and that it has since frequently been vitiated, especially by the incontinent King Henry the Eighth; but all this while, to the infinite Detriment and Dishonour of the Nation, until (as we shewed) that Fortunate and well-consulted Princess Elizabeth, intirely restor'd it to its genuine Value and antient Dignity. And here again 'tis worthy Remark, that the most prosperous and glorious Potentates, and most beloved, were even those who took the greatest Care to preserve the Species chast and intemerate; Instances we have in Charles the Great, in whose time the Western Empire was in its highest Ascendant since the Roman Caesars; as on the contrary, how prodigiously it sunk and languish'd, as often as they fell to Tricks and ignoble Shifts, even to the late German Empe∣rors, upon which the learned* 1.14 Peller (sadly complaining, for want of timely Remedy, suffering such wretched Leaches, that as with us, still persisted to abuse the Publick) breaks out into this pathetic Exclamation (and so may we) Morbum ipsum Deus curet (the Lord have Mercy on us) & ille qui eum in terris representat: For if his Majesty, and those in Power did not speedily take the Cure into their Hands, Conclamatum est, our Condition would be desperate, and the Nation ruined. What France has suffer'd we have shew'd in Philip, and from him till their Charles the Fifth, and therefore call'd the Wise for his Care in re-settling his Mint on a firmer Base; but after which it hor∣ribly relaps'd in Charles VII. and IX. and frequently since; but never without its pernicious and natural Consequences.

But now since we are fall'n into this sore Calamity, the Dif∣ficulty is, how to heal the Wound, supply the present Deficiency, and not only seek whence to derive a timely Stream equivalent to that which is issued out, but to remove the Dams and Impe∣diments that obstruct the flowing Current, till which, to be sure, it must and will continually be sinking, and the very dregs and pittance of what rests, be raised, to a yet greater loss, be the prohibitions what Superiors please.

There was a time (not long since) when spirited with Zeal and wanton Ease, the abused People, and of all degrees, spontaneously brought in their Plate: Many massively great and other Pieces of curiously wrought Vessels, I my self beheld, batter'd and defac'd to flatness, by the rude Sledge and crow∣ded into the Melting-pots in Guild-Hall (which was fill'd to to the Roof almost) upon the Credit of the publick Faith, to

ruin the best establish'd Church and Kingdom under Heaven; and I little question, but would they do so now to preserve what God has since restor'd and save from the Danger it is in, by a free and generous Oblation of it, without any future expectation of being re-imburs'd by so insupportable a Tax, as will be ne∣cessary to answer the mention'd Loss (but which must at last come out of their own Purses and Estates) it would almost, if not altogether, heal the gastly Wound: And who that were touch'd with a true Zeal and Affection to his Native Country, would not be ready chearfully to part with the most splendid Superfluities, and eat and drink with more Content and Satis∣faction in Earthen-Dishes and Wooden-Cups (as the brave Romans did whilst they were truly brave) rather than in the brightest Gold and Silver, to support a sinking Nation? Were this and all the imprison'd and undiminish'd Money produc'd, and none of it suffer'd to be Hoarded, Cull'd, Clipp'd, privately Melted down or Transported, or what is false Imported, upon any unjustifiable Account; and all Commodities necessary to human Life, Decency, and of daily Use, rated in some tolerable proportion to the present Exigences, and by no means left in an Arbitrary manner to be inhaunced by the Ingrosser and Re∣tailer, as inevitably it must, and will be unless prevented; and that Money rise not beyond its real Value (what ever Laws or Edicts be provided against it) it would go a very great way to our Relief in the present Circumstances. But if this be too hard a Chapter, and look more like a Platonic Notion, than pra∣cticable in this self-Interess'd and degenerate Age, let us acquiesce and leave it as becomes us to Superiors, and to Expedients justified by such solid Funds, as the collective Wisdom of the Nation shall think proper and most effectual, which upon no Pre∣tence, Stress or Occasion whatever, less than immediate Pre∣servation, imminent and inevitable Ruin, ought to be diverted, much less invaded. In a word, were there a round Imposition charg'd on all future Superfluities, with a total prohibition of other Luxu••ies of Parade and Shew, by standing, well-exe∣cuted Sumptuary Laws (yet with distinction of Qualities) as it would create a marvellous Change, and for the better, so would it soon compensate the parting with the want of many unnecessary and costly Trifles, which minister to our Extrava∣gances, and make Men eager to obtain them at any Price. Better, far better were it that a few Shops of Voluptuary Arts and Traders in Modes and fantastic Dresses, as well as—

and other Publicans, with the whole Tribe of Demetrius and the Crafts-men were reduc'd or confin'd to their former Shop-Trade only (and would in some States, and such Exigences be obnoxious) who evidently obstruct, garble and drain the very Vital of the Nation. I say, better they were totally abo∣lish'd, suppress'd and broken, than a whole Nation be undone, as unavoidably it must be, if such, and other unsatiable Gulphs be not stopp'd; and that God Almighty raise not up some Wise and publick spirited Patriots, to stand in the Breach, and set their Hands and Heads to prevent it, with all imaginable diligence. In the mean while, let these worst of Men (and as one calls them, Ultima Satanae Excrementa) beware the Fate of Stephen Barbet and his Fellows, who from the like sordid Gains (and from nothing of Family or conspicuous Vertue) rais'd themselves to Estates of Princes in so short a space, and by unknown Extorsions and Depredations on the Publick, made vast Purchases, rose to mighty Fortunes, and built sumptuous Palaces in the Reign of the so often mention'd Philip. The deserved Justice inflicted on him and his Complices, may be a timely Warning; that ill-advis'd and unhappy Prince, sadly, but too late, and on his Death-bed, attributing all his Mis∣fortunes and the loss of his Subjects Affection (the greatest Jewel on a Prince's Crown) to his remissness in this Important Concern. Farther Instances might be produced of the like Ca∣tastrophes (besides what befel in Turkey in the Reign of Amurath the Fourth, Brother to Osman) in other States of Christendom. But I am tedious and beg Pardon for the Liberty I have taken, with good Intention, since 'tis hoped we may, and shall find great Effects from his Majesty's great Care, the present and en∣suing Parliaments, and the Consultations of those Gentlemen of the Council of Trade. But to look for, and to carry it on, Cre∣dit must be restored, and the Reputation of our Exchequer by protecting of our ships and Mercantile Commerce abroad, which can only bring home those Effects to replenish it, and which would be of infinitely more Advantage to us (and far less chargeable) than all our Efforts on France, enrich'd by so many Thousands of our Vessels, and Millions of Treasure taken from us. And now after all, tho' I should expect but little Thanks of some for what I have said, yet, I comfort my self with the Sense and Suffrage of all, to whom the true and solid Interest of the Nation is dearer than their Lives. And if I fore-tell that what I have predicted spring from the natural

Consequences of the Premises; it is what I have fortified with undeniable Instances and irrefragable Truths, unless all Europe, and all the negotiating World besides, agree to Reverse all that their most prudent Ancestors have upon the long Expe∣rience of so many Ages and Turns of Governments, settled and built on, as the most reasonable and lasting, since there would otherwise be no boundary or end of Raising, Depressing and Cheating, till all fell to the Ground.

In the mean time, of This I am morally certain, and must adhere to as a steady Maxim; that the only just and righteous Expedient must be to make our Money of equal Fineness and intrinsic Value, under whatsoever Denominations or Shifts we can devise as to smaller Pieces, &c. to serve the present Neces∣sity pro hîc & nunc, during the Coinage and Scarcity of greater Sums, which should hold and be paid in full Weight; since after all, 'tis not Vultus Imperatoris, Figura & Impressio; no, nor Proba Materia alone; but PONDUS and Weight which ren∣ders Money truly valuable to all intents and purposes. This effected, and Money reduced to its Primitive Institution (when Mankind dealt honestly and sincerely with one another) we may hope for a Blessing from Almighty God.

But now è diverticulo in viam.

From Mints and Money to Medals again, come in the Names of the most celebrated and experienc'd Artists who have not only approach'd, but almost exceeded the Antients.

Cavino, the famous Padoan and Parmesano were of those who did Wonders in this kind with New Stamps: The first with great Force, the latter with more of the Delicate and Tender. They were these who skill'd to impress a New-cut Stamp upon an Old Medal, so as hardly to be discern'd from the Ori∣ginal, unless it were that their Works, tho, full of Spirit, yet the Relievo not altogether so bold and extant, render'd some of them the sooner suspected. Such in fine they were, as to this Day, and ever will impose sometimes upon the most confident and knowing, and such it seems as in Veneration of their Excellency, have their graving Tools and Instruments kept as great Rarities, amongst the Curiosities of the Library of St. Genevieve at Paris; for so are those of the Parmegiano as Reliques of no small Value.

Of this Class was the Vincentino, Bellas, Leon Leoni, and ano∣ther, who, as I am told, being for a Capital Crime at Rome,

adjudged to suffer Death, is said to have pleaded, and obtain'd his Pardon, thro' the Favour of a certain extraordinary and par∣ticular Law, that whatever Criminal can prove himself to be the most excellent and consummate Work-man in any useful Art or Mystery (like some Felons here with us, obnoxious to the like Punishment, are indulg'd their Book in Favorem Vitae, and to incourage Learning) may Challenge (some Crimes excepted only, as in particular False Money) the Benefit there∣of in Favorem Artis, for the first Fault. Nor were the Antients without ingenious Counterfeits, injurious to the Public, since Pliny reports it of one who had Honors done him for his Sagacity in detecting Frauds of this nature.

The best and choicest Medals for the Workmanship (Gold and Silver) were such as had been graven at Rome and in Italy, with S. C. by Order of the Senate, or upon the Place in the time of the Great Augustus: Nor were they in much less perfection when the Noble Hadrian caus'd Medals to be stamp'd with ex∣quisite Sculpture, and after him Commodus and other of the Em∣perors, for Presents and Largesses, of which already. The rest Coin'd in the remoter Provinces and Dominions, did nothing resemble the Originals, and became therefore the more easily discover'd; besides, that they frequently dress'd them in some odd unusual Habits or Ornaments not properly Roman, as like∣wise by the Substance and Fabric of the Pieces themselves, some of them being deeper, some shallower, nor in the same Metal. Roman Medals are more easily distinguish'd by their universal accurateness; the Aegyptian by their Edges; those of Syria by their thickness, as the Spanish by the contrary, shallow and slight Relieve.

We have in George Vasaries's Lives of the most Famous Pain∣ters (wherein he mentions Sculptors) the Mechanic Part of Medal-cutting in any sort of Metal or Precious Stones, together with the Temper of the Matter;* 1.15 the Machine, Tools and In∣struments to insculp and prepare the Mould and Matrices, but which is since exceedily improv'd by Monsieur Felibien whom we have already mention'd.

There were some who thought that Medals were first Cast, and afterwards had the Stamp applied to make the Work deeper; but how this could be effected in Cast and molted Metal, which renders it exceeding brittle, I cannot well conceive.

To return then to our Masters, Excellent in their kinds at present, are, if living, Hameranus, Bossier, Goujon, Carteron, and

above all Varin, of all the French Modern, the rarest Master, both for his Art and Improvement of the Mint whilst he go∣vern'd it. Engravers among us were Symons, Rawlins (already nam'd) and now Mr. Haris, Christian, &c. laudable for many Productions of their Skill and Ingenuity; whilst Mons. Rotie and his Sons continued their Fathers Travel, who have given the World such proof of their Abilities in performances of this kind, as may rightly paragon them with many of the cele∣brated Antients. After all,

For the Honor of our Countrey-men, I cannot here omit that Ingenious Trial of Skill which a commendable Emulation produc'd in a Medal I have seen perform'd with extraordinary accuracy, by one I lately mention'd, who having been deser∣vedly imploy'd in the Mint at the Tower, was not willing to be supplanted by Foreign Competitors. To make this good, I need have given no other Description, if the following Type of the Piece it self had reach'd the Original (which indeed it has not) yet represents the Figure, and about the Rimb, the Artist's appeal to a Prince who was an exquisite Judge.

[illustration]

C.

Omitting the usual Inscriptions on the Tables, the Rimb is as follows.

Thomas Simon most humbly prays your Majesty to compare this his Tryal-Piece with the Dutch; and if more truly Drawn and Emboss'd, more Gracefully order'd, or more accurately Ingraven, to Relieve him.

This laudable Contention was it seems in the Year, 1663.

Of this Rank and Form (besides Giovanni del Cavino, and a Son of his; Gellini, Leone Aretino, Iacopo da Tresso, Fred. Bonzaga and the incomparable Giovanni Iacopo) Gio: del Cornivole comes in, who was so call'd for his rare Talent of working in Cor∣nelian, improv'd by the Milaneze Cameo, who first recovered the Art of Intaglio in the Onyx and other precious Stones, after the Antient manner had been lost and neglected 1500 Years. Next to these Pietro Maria de Pescia, Marmida and his Son Lodovic, Valerio Vincentino (already nam'd) who had been in England in the time of Queen Elizabeth, and left a Sardonyx, which I think he cut here, representing the Head of that Re∣nowned Heroine, inferior to none of the Antients. There was likewise Michelino, who with Lodovic and Vincent had gotten such Fame for Counterfeiting antient Medals; and such another was Luigi Arichini and Alessandro Caesari call'd the Greek, so highly Celebrated for that Noble Medalion of Pope Paul the Third; and the Head of Phocion the Athenian, which he cut in an Onyx, com∣parable by universal Suffrage to any of the Old Masters. To these might be added Antonio de Rossi, Cosimo de Trezzo, Fran. Raibolini, Philip Negarolo, Gaspar and Gerolamo Misaroni, Pietro Paulo Galeotto, Pastorino di Sienna; not omitting the Renowned Pharodoxus of Milan. Fran. Furnius, Severus of Ravenna, Trecia of Milan also, who is said to be the First, who with wonderful Success, cut the King of Spain's Arms on a goodly Table Dia∣mond, no Man hitherto having adventur'd to encounter that unconquer'd Stone.

From what has been said, I shall only observe, that it be∣comes one that would be an accomplish'd Medalist, not only to be well acquainted with these great Masters, and their way of Design, but to be able also to perform something in the Manual part it self. For such were those Virtuosi and Ingenious Spirits, the Illustrious Giovanni Baptista of Sienna, Rosso Giugni of Florence, Gentlemen of Note; as at present, the no less Skil∣ful Monsieur Morelli, who both Designets and Ingraves the Medals which he publishes.

But of this as to Gravers, I have long since given a fuller Account in my History of Chalcographie, to which add the Preface of Molinet, who has Recorded the Names of the Ce∣labrated Medal Cutters and others, for near these Two Hundred Years past, and by whom they were reform'd from Casting to Stamping after the Antient manner.

And now since to the perfect Understanding of Medals, not only in respect to the Beauty and Elegancy of the Workman∣ship, and discovery of Frauds and Impostures; but (for what this Discourse is principally intended) the Use and Benefit to be deriv'd from them; nothing can more conduce than the Study and Direction of such Authors as have with greatest Judgment and Success written on, and cultivated this Subject: I shall here present the Studious with the Names of the most reputed Authors and instructive Nomismatographi.

Monsieur du Choule, a Noble, Curious and Learned French∣man, did about an Hundred Years since, publish a Discourse of the Religion of the Antient Romans, worthy perusal, as giving singular Light to this useful Science, which seemed almost to∣tally neglected till within about half a Century before, when certain Learned Persons in Italy, especially of the Illustrious House of Medices (as Bigotius tells us) began to cultivate and review the Study of Medals; chief among these were Andreas Fulvius Ursinus (augmented lately by Dr. Patin) for the Consulars and Roman Families, and above all, as most accurate of any for likeness to the original Sculps and Design. And for Institution, the most Industrious Hubert Golzius, whom we find dignified with the Honor of being made a Citizen of Rome for his extraordinary Talent in that his laborious and useful Work, for the Greek Cities especially, and for the Elements of this Study, as explain'd by Nonius; where also of the Fasti and Roman Triumphs, &c. Likewise Anthony de Pois, Gorlaeus, Wolfangus Lazius; the Dialogues of Augustinus (another fit Author to begin with) George Sambucus, Tristan à St. Amante, one of the first who treated of the Greek Imperials Learnedly; but in this to blame, that he fill'd Defects with some Medals design'd from such as were imperfect and drawn by Fancy, Possevin, Cuperus; Hemalarius of Antwerp for most of those in Gold, as Patin those of Silver; Falconerius, Peter Bellorius, Oyselius and Gevartius for ordinary Medals, Tenzelius's Selecta Numismata, &c. or as Alphabetically recited by Suaresius, not forgetting Monsieur Toynard, the late Dr. Spon (Companion in Travel and Inclination to these laudable Studies, with the worthy Sir George Wheeler) whose Learned Researches on this and di∣vers other useful Productions have exceedingly oblig'd the Cu∣rious. To these add Hulsius's Twelve Caesars, Panvinius's Fasti, Savotius for the Metal, Weight, Value, Type, Argument, &c. with such as have explain'd any particular Medals: As that Disser∣tation

of Chiflet de Othonibus aereis; Falconerius de Nummo Apa∣mensi; De Camps upon a Greek Medal of Ant. Caracalla; Segui∣nus de Nummo Britannico; Gronovius de Sestertiis; Conringius of the Iewish Shekle, &c. Dr. Patin, de Nummo Hor. Coclitis, and of that where the Emperor Augustus is with Plato, which minds me of the abovementioned Chiflet's Socrates, sive de Gemmis in∣sculp'd with the Image of that Philosopher, &c. Io. Macarius's Abraxas de Gemmis Basilidianis, and such others as have written Learnedly upon Intalia in Seals and Stones of Price, Iacobus de Wild his Nummi Regum, and of the Kingdoms, Regions and Cities illustrated by Medals; to these I add Albertus Rubens (Son of that late famous Painter) who has publish'd a Dissertation in Latin concerning Medals; Adolphus Occo's Imperials, with the Count Mezza Barba: The first, namely Occo, Alphabetically and Elegantly enough explained, of so universal use as may no more be wanting to a Medalist, than a Dictionary to the Learn∣ing of a Language. Besides, we have in that Industrious Work an Account and Series from the Great Pompey to Heraclius, which is as long as any Medals were tolerable, together with a just Character of their Persons, and a succinct History of their Lives and signal Actions out of the most approv'd Authors, with Historical and Chronological Notes, the Year when struck, and upon what occasion; in short, a Work acceptable to the Curious, and such as may serve for an ample Repertorie on many Occasions; 'tis pity we had not what was expected from him of the Greek. Since these, Authors of the first Class (and which are not to be pass'd by without a thorough Acquain∣tance) are Monsieur Vaillant's Seleucidarum Historia and Latin Colonies: Cange's Byzantine History and for those of the Bas Empire: The Jesuite Hardouin's Antirrhetic, and other Pieces on this Subject to be reckon'd amongst the most Learned that have written; together with the illustrious Spanheim, of whose absolute and incomparable Dissertation de praestantia & usu Nu∣mismatum, nothing can be said too much to recommend it for Fruit and the Advantages which it shews may be gathered from the Culture of this noble and useful Study. In expectation still of Monsieur Morelli's so long promised Work, an Account of which we have in his late Specimen, and of his wonderful Indu∣stry, to the delineation of no fewer than Twenty Thousand several Medals Rare and Antique, preserved or any where to be found in the Cabinets and Collections of the greatest Princes and curi∣ous Persons of Europe, and this above Twelve Years since;

How many then certainly by this time! All of them drawn and design'd by his own Hand, with the greatest accuracy, which is a peculiar Talent and Address, hardly to be found among our skilfulest Painters themselves, Medal Figures having a cer∣tain Air of Antique, free and easy, different from other De∣sign, be the Sculpture never so Curious, and better succeeding in the naked Contour, without hatching to set them off; but un∣der which the Medals in this Discourse have suffer'd to please the Bookseller, who was so much charm'd with the Hollandia Metallica, that I could not prevail with him to spare that Cost, during my almost continual absence whilst they were En∣graving; sed mit••enda haec, and to conclude, Monsieur Morelle bringing up the Rear; there will be left little more behind to the full and intire Accomplishment of this part of Erudition. It is yet most true (after all we have spoken of those Excellent Authors for Knowledge and Direction) there have been mistakes sometimes made: Golzius, Occo, Mezza Barba and others not excepted, tho' perhaps in fewer Instances; and therefore worthy is the Undertaking of Monsieur Morelle in se∣parating the suspected Medals of Golzius and the rest, from the genuine and truly Antique: But as it were next impossible, that among so many Heaps and Numbers, the most Sagacious should not sometimes Err and be imposed on, so may it cau∣tion the most circumspect and critical Medalist in examining all the Circumstances hitherto mention'd, and that it requires no slight Industry and Skill as well as Learning and Modesty, before one does too confidently adventure to Build or Support any part of the serious History, or other weighty Matter upon the Reputation of Medals only; tho' of all Records (trans∣mitting to us antient things) they prove the most Authentic and certain Reporters, preferable to any other, whether Titles, Inscriptions, Fasti or Memories whatsoever; since albeit, these were also very numerous, set up and expos'd in all the re∣motest Parts and Provinces of that Vast and Extensive Empire; Medals, for being chiefly struck at Rome, the Capital City, and Mistress of the known World (to which from all its Domi∣nions, the knowledge of the greatest and most renowned A∣ctions came and were examin'd) must needs be of the greatest Credit and Estimation. I have only one more to mention (highly deserving for what he has lately published on this Ar∣gument) and that is the Learned Mr. Walker, whose Book, tho' printed some Years after this was first written, might

well have answer'd all that was necessary to the knowledge of this Science, had not this been engag'd to the Stationer, and in the Printer's Hands before.

There now remains those of the Modern, whereof Luckius is one of the first, who set forth his Sylloge of many Illustrious Persons of the last Century; Typotius, Molinet and Bossier, Medals of the Popes, Cardinals and Ecclesiasticks; Iaques de Bie, la France Metalic; to him add the Iesuite Menestrier: But none who have taken any considerable notice of Countries and States Compara∣ble to what is wanting, besides the Abbot Bizot and his Conti∣nuator, in that of the Republic of Holland by a single instance, and of which we have already given a large Account. Some others there may be, but these I suppose may suffice to furnish the Metalic Library, and serve for Direction; in the mean time, as to the rest, such as travel abroad, will not neglect visiting the several Cimeliarcha and Repositories of those Noble Persons and others, whose Curiosity and Genius has inclin'd them to to the Cultivation and Adornment of so gentile a Study and Diversion, taking along with them the Advice and Directions of the Learned and Industrious Patin, (with Sir George Wheeler and Dr. Spon's Voyage into the Levant) who has given the Publick an Account of the Royal Gazas and Pricely Trea∣sures to be any where met with of this kind thro' all Europe, For such Eminent Collectors have been Charles the Fifth, Rudol∣phus, and indeed all the German Emperors since to this Day; Frederick King of Denmark, Queen Christina of Sweden, the late Charles Prince Elector, Prince Leopold of Florence, and all of the Medicean Family; Ranuccio Farneze gathered by the Cardinal Alexander his Unkle; the Cardinal C. Barberini, the Counts Soderini, de Maximis, Mascardi, Morosini, and Garzoni; Lazara at Rome, Venice, Verona, Padoa, &c. as indeed ever great and learned Person in Italy, who have to their Libraries, Cabinets richly furnished with Medals and the like Antiquities. So in France, especially among the great Officers and Ministers of State, not for Ostentation, but some of them as Knowing as Curious; such as Lomenie, Count de Brienne Secretary of State, Harlaeus Procurator General, Chancellor Seguire, the late Mon∣sieur Colbert, the Abbe Seguin, with others innumerable, which has caused the French King (who is doubtless Master of the greatest and best Collection of Medals in Europe) among other his indeed laudable Munificences for the encouragement and promoting of Letters, to erect an Academy where the Medalists,

Autiquaries and Virtuosi, meet and confer at his Palace of the Louvre.

Now albeit among our own Country-men we are but some∣what thin of Writers on this part of Erudition; yet had we, and still have many Worthy and Illustrious Persons both Know∣ing and Curious, whose Collections have done Honor to them∣selves and to the Nation; Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Earl Marshal of England (that Great Mecaenas of all the politer Arts, and boundless Amasser of Antiquities) had in that rich∣ly furnished Cabinet I mentioned, as rich a Collection of Me∣dals gathered by Daniel Nisum; the like had the Great Duke of Buckingham the Marquis (afterwards Duke) Hamilton; Sir William Paston, Grandfather to the present Lord Yarmouth, who I sup∣pose, is still in possession of them, as of other his Choice Col∣lection of Rarities; Sir Simon Fanshaw of Ware Park; Sir Thomas Hanmer of Hanmer, whilst he lived, my most worthy Friend; the late Ralph Sheldon of Weston Esquire, now in the Hands of his Virtuous Kinswoman Mrs. Frances Sheldon, late Maid of Honor to the now Queen Dowager; Iohn Harvey Esquire, late Treasurer to her Majesty the Queen Dowager; Sir Iames Long of Draicut; Elias Ashmole Esquire, both lately deceased; and amongst our more liminently Learned Antiquaries, Sir Robert Cotton, Grandfather to the present Sir Iohn Cotton, who persist∣ing in the steps of that Illustrious Person, is still augmenting the unvaluable Treasure of Medals and Manuscripts, obliging the Learned World by his Generous Communication of what has been so left, and is so improv'd by him. What singular Use our Learned Cambden (whom next I am to mention) made of his Collection,* 1.16 to justify and adorn his Britannia, is to be seen every where in that Glorious Work, as also in that of Mr. Speed. Add to these Sir Henry Savil and Spelman, Sir Simon d Ewes, our Learned Selden, Sir Iohn Marsham, Mr. Iohn Greaves, Mr. Brere∣wood, &c. and at present living, the Right Honourable Earl of Peterborough, Dr. Sharp Archbishop of York, the Right Ho∣nourable Sir William Trumbal late Ambassador at Constantinople and now Principal Secretary of State, Sir Edward Sherburn; my most Honoured, Learned and Worthy Friend (and now Old Fellow-Traveller) Thomas Henshaw Esquire, Abraham Hill Esquire, Mr. Falkner, Dr. Iohnson, the Learned Mr. Laughton of Trinity-college in Cambridge, inferior I am told to few, Mr. Guillhard, cum multis aliis.

And that even the Ladys may not be defrauded of the Honor due to the Favourers of this Noble Diversion, the Lady Ann Boynton (Daughter to Iohn late Earl of Rochester) who I am told, has not only made a Curious Collection of Medals, but is herself very Knowing in them.

There are doubtless many others whom I have not the Ho∣nor of being known to, and should have enrich'd this Catalogue with their Names and Merits; always reserving a more distin∣guishing Recognition, with infinite and particular Obligation to the present Earl of CLARENDON, whose most am∣ple Collection of the most Noble Medals, and Glorious Medalions, both for Number and Choice (together with what of Modern he has contributed to the Type here exhibited) is worthy the be∣ing reckoned amongst the most Illustrious, and his Lordship for many other singular Favours, to be ever mentioned by me with the greatest Regard.

Nor may I (on this account) forget Mr. Charleton of the Middle-Temple, without signal Ingratitude and want of discern∣ment, who has (besides a Glorious Collection and Universal Series of the Rarest Medals) a Cabinet of other Natural and Artificial Curiosities, far exceeding for Choice and Perfection any that I have met withal Abroad, or believe will easily be found in Europe besides. To which let me add, not only his extraordinary Knowledge of the Treasure he possesses, but the Obligingness and great Civility of a most Generous Person.

I conclude this Recension where indeed I ought to have begun, when I mention'd the Great and most Illustrious Persons of Eng∣land (emulating the most celebrated Cabinets of the Greatest Princes of other Countries) namely, that Royal Collection of Me∣dals at St. Iames's, begun by that Magnanimous and Hopeful Prince Henry, and exceedingly augmented and improved by his Brother King Charles the Martyr, from the Testimony of his own Learned Library-keeper Patrick Iunius (in his Notes on St. Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians) Quem locum (speaking of St. Iames's) si vicinam Pinacothecam, Bibliothecae celeberrimae con∣junctam: Si NUMISMATA Antiqua Graeca, ac Romana; Si statuas & Signa ex Aere & Marmore consideres; non immeritò Thesaurum Antiquitatis & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Instructissimum nominare potes, &c. To which add,* 1.17 that of another Learned Medalist, Carolus Pri∣mus ille Magnae Britanniae Rex, caeteris Europae Principes omnes hoc possessionum Genere, vincebat; which how at this Day impair'd, and miserably imbezel'd, not only by the Rebels during the late

Civil Wars, but even since, thro' the Negligence of others, is of deplorable Consideration; if any hopes yet remain of its re∣vival again to some tolerable degree of Lustre and Repair, we must be oblig'd to the indefatigable Industry of the late Super∣visor, the obliging and universally Learned (whilst he lived my excellent Friend) and lately deceas'd Monsieur Iustel; and from hence forward to the no less accomplish'd (in all solid Learning and severer Studies) Dr. Bentley, his worthy Suc∣cessor.

This for the Books and Manuscripts, among which there are still many Choice and Inestimable Volumes, besides the Fa∣mous and Venerable Alexandrian Greek Bible of St. Tecla; but the Medals have been taken away and purloin'd by Thousands, and irrecoverable. Their late Majesties had yet a very rich and ample Collection, which I well remember were put in Or∣der, and Methodiz'd by Mr. Ashmole, soon after the Restaura∣tion of King Charles the Second, which I hope, and presume may be still in being and to be recovered.

Let none therefore reproach our Country, look or speak de∣spisingly of Medals (those Immortales Chartae and Perennial Re∣cords) as Pieces of Canker'd Brass and Rusty Copper, without that Regard and Veneration due to Antiquity, and what the greatest Emperors, Kings and Famous Persons, Knowing and Learned Men have honour'd and cultivated with so much Cost and Industry for the Public Good: But (as of old, those who could shew the Heads and Busts of Renowned Ancestors) let us rather call the Lovers and Improvers of this so Noble Study (and with as much Right) Homines multarum In••iginum, with∣out reproach, and being brought upon the Stage.

And now in the last place something should be said concer∣ning the Method of Ranging, Marshalling and Placing of this Learned Treasure.

In Order to this, one may consider the several Sizes and Vo∣lumes; those of the Grand Bronze or Maximi Moduli ever in the first place, as excelling all the rest for the Excellency of the Re∣lieve and Historical Reverse; among which some yet thrust in those of a less Size, and on the contrary (according as they Fancy) ranging the larger among the Medii aeris for the sake of a rare Otho, Antoninus, a Drusus or Germanicus; every Size deriving its Estimation from the Learning and Instruction of the Reverse, preferable to the Head and Effigies.

Those of the second and next Model, take the next place as much more fruitful in variety of Reverses, Greek and Latin Colo∣nies, &c. than those of the first; and those of the very least Size, have their peculiar Value, as they greatly serve to supply the Chasms and Interstices of the other two, especially of the lower Empire.

A Series of the first Volume in aere magno (as we long since noted) hardly reaches below Posthumus, and such as do are exceeding Rare, and as meanly wrought: But of the second Model, the Collection is not difficult, even as low as to the lowest Occidental Roman Empire, and Oriental Paleologues, or as far as down to Heraclius; not but that there were more Me∣dals of them, but that Men did not care to enquire after things so wretchedly design'd.

A consequence of the small Copper and minimae formae, is yet more common and easily procur'd to furnish the lower Em∣pire, even to the last of the Greeks; but from Iulius Caesar, where usually they did begin (namely to the Posthumi) 'tis hard to compleat a Series, and in a manner, impossible from Theodosius to the Palaeologi, without a mixture of Gold, Silver and some ex aere Medio: In short, were it to be compassed, one should chuse not to mingle Sizes, or indeed any that were of different Metal. But this is a Curiosity for Great Princes to accomplish, and that with Difficulty too, as well as Charge; and there∣fore advisable to aim rather at a Series of either Species and Mo∣dels by themselves, and of what Metal soever in case of neces∣sity with these Insertions as occasion offers, and take them as they come to hand.

Augustus is common in all Volumes and Sizes, so the Colonies in the middle Bronze (for they struck no Medalions) and are with others rare in the Greater; and thus assisted by them all, a Curious and Industrious Person may be Master of a very hand∣some Cabinet of Medals, without any considerable Interruption from the Period of that Glorious and Renowned Commonwealth by the ambitious Iulius, to almost the present Age, and Justify the History of near Two Thousand Years, which is more than any profane Historian or good Author extant, pretends to do upon the score of his own Authority.

You now will ask, in what Method it were best to place this Learned and Venerable Assembly? Doubtless, the most Natu∣ral according to their Antiquity and Chronology, beginning with Heads and Effigies.

Now Heads (as our Authors shew) may be considered under Five Capacities. As first, Kings, Greek and Latin in general or particular, of which we have given us the History of some, and of their Successors, as in that Excellent Account of the Seleucian Potentates by Monsieur Vaillant: Under this Head come in others of the Greek, and even of the Iews, Nu∣midians, Punic, Parthian, Armenian, Arabs, Spanish, French, Goths and Barbariaus, all of them useful for Illustration in their turns.

After these the Cities, Greek and Latin also, as well before as after the Foundation of the Roman Empire, to the number of above two Hundred only Greek: Here enter those Colonies and Municipia which give such Light to the antient Geography. Golzius, the above, named Vaillant, and especially the very Learn∣ed Hardovin on Pliny may be consulted, who gives us this Note; That the Heads upon these Medals (for some have none at all) are either the Genius of the Place, or some Deity which they had in Veneration there; but of this I think, I have spoken already.

Under the Third Head are ranked the Consular or Roman Families, of which there be at present 1500 Medals. The Head of Roma, some Deity or Charrioted Victory on the Reverse, did first appear upon their Money. But after these (which are not considerable for their Erudition) entred the Monyers and their Relations who took their Liberty, as did the Triumvirs and others, to stamp what they pleased without control, until Iulius as we shewed, put an end to their freedom and antient Government, and set his own Effigies on the Coin. Here our Collector may have recourse to Ursinus and his Continuator Dr. Patin, who marshals them Alphabetically. Whatever else the number of these may be, there are counted a Thousand of Silver only.

Next these come the Imperial, especially from the first Caesar as far as to the thirty Tyrants, thence to Constantine, and down even to Heraclius, decaying in Sculpture with the decadence of the Empire: For these see Occo improv'd by Count Mezzabarba. Noting, that they may be continued with both the Orient and Occidental Emperors, almost to the present, amounting to a vast number. Last of all succeeded the Deities in Head, Bust and whole Figures with their proper Symbols and Attributes, and these followed by the Heros, Heroines, and other Brave and Renowned Persons Greek and Latin, accompanied by the

Famous Legislators, Philosophers, Mathematicians, Physicians, Poets, &c.

In seating them according to their Reverses (which are in∣deed the most Instructive and fullest of Learned Variety) they appear'd at first as meanly as their Heads: But no sooner did the Monetaries and Masters of the Mint begin to Illustrate and Adorn their Medals with their own Exploits (as sometimes) or of their Ancestors and Relations; but the Reverses became considerable, and sought after by the Curious Antiquary, espe∣cially such as afterwards the Roman Emperors themselves and their Flatterers caused to be Ingraven and Stamped with utmost Art, expressing the most signal Actions and Passages of their Lives, to the great Advantage of the Learned.

Now these may be ranged either as they belong to their respective Emperors, according to order of time discoverable by the Consulate or Tribune; or as Oiselius has perhaps by a better method plac'd them, and more agreeably as they suit in some peculiar Curiosity and Variety of Subject.

The Author whom last we named, in his Selectorum Nu∣mismatum Antiquorum Thesaurus (by way of Adversaria and Common Place) seems to have taken in and comprehended all in a very useful Sylloge, from Iulius Caesar down to Constantine the Great, for the ready and expeditious finding out the Histo∣rical and most useful part of the Reverses under Ten Localities, which I conceive may suffice,

I. The Heads of the Emperors. II. Reverses of Regions, Pro∣vinces, Cities, Colonies, Rivers, &c. for Geographical Light. III. Deities and Genius's. IV. Virtues, Moral, Symbols and Em∣blems. V. Military Expeditions, Allocutions, &c. VI. Ludi Circenses, Liberalities, Adoptions, Marriages, &c. VII. Apotheoses and Consecrations. VIII. Edifices, Temples, Arches, Ports, Brid∣ges, Victories, Triumphs, Trophies. IX. Sacerdotia, Augures, Sa∣cred Utensils and thing belonging to Religion. X. Miscellanies that cannot so aptly be placed under any of these Chapters.

I conclude with the Specimen of Monsieur Morelle, which per∣haps may appear more agreeable, by placing them according to their several Sizes, and which doubtless is most Beautiful, I say not the most Instructive without some proper Index. For this, see what he has exhibited in Sixteen Tables. Lastly, what I have lately been shewed of Mr. Wanley's Disposition in∣tended

for the Medals belonging to the Bodleian Library of Oxford, I cannot but much commend as very comprehensive and Ingenious.

Thus, or by any other Method prescribed by Learned Me∣dalists, a Collection may be ranged and usefully disposed of for the prompt and easy finding out what one has at any time occasion for.

The French King's Cabinet of Medals (who has doubtless one of the very best and most glorious Collections in the World) consists of no fewer than Twenty Thousand, which yet is no such mighty Boast, compared to what Peter de Medices had collected an Age since, which as Philip de Comines tells us, amounted to an Hundred Thousand of all the Metals, all which he yet lost at once, when he was Banished. Nay, and Scaliger says, Gorlaeus (a very ordinary Man, and far from being a Prince) had above Thirty Thousand rare Medals, whereof above Four Thousand of Gold, which exceeded the French-King's Collection by Ten Thousand. They are ranked according to the Dates, and kept in Cabinets of Cedar, the Drawers elegantly Gilt and Titled: Nor are his very Counters (which concern any parti∣cular Notice relating to History, as many do) neglected, or deemed unworthy of a distinct Repository.

It will not I suppose be necessary (after all that has been said) to acquaint the Lovers of this sort of Antiquity, how re∣quisite some competent Knowledge in the Greek and Latin Tongues is to the Studious, and those who would indeed be profound in this Noble Science; tho' (to discourage no other∣wise Ingenious Person) we find by Hub. Golzius, and the above∣named Gorlaeus (both ignorant of either Tongue) how far ex∣ceeding Industry, Affection, and Application may attain to and arrive. To this appertains likewise some Skill in the antient Geography, History, Chronology, Pagan Mythology; Assistant to which of the Modern, may Rhodiginus, Rosinus, Ortelius be; Panci∣rollus's Notitia, Caesar Ripa's Iconologia, and such as Treat of the Images of the Gods and Goddesses, with other Subsidiaries.

But I have now done as soon as I have shewed you how to prevent the often handling of your choicest Medals, as well as to facilitate the taking any of them out of their respective Nests and Localities (in which they are placed) by what I observed of Mr. Charleton's, who has very Ingeniously fasten'd one end of a small and narrow Label of Velume, or piece of Ribbon to the bottom of every Nich, so far under the Medal, as that

taking up the loose end of the Parchment or Ribbon (which is purposely left to appear a little beyond the edge of the Nest) one easily raises up the Medal, so as either to see the Reverse or Head, or take it quite out without pinching or digging it forth with one's Nails, which is inconvenient, and often sullies it. Upon every such Label, there is also (as I remember) noted with a Pen, what Medal it is, which being extreamly neat and ready, I recommend for others imitation.

I had propos'd to conclude this Institution with a Cata∣logue (by way of Specimen) of both Antient Greek and Roman Medals, for the Ease and Benefit of Tyros, and such as are not yet accustomed, and so ready to Decipher their Inscriptions after the Method of Monsieur Baudelot, beginning with the Roman, and (after the Consular) with him, to whom after the decretal Battel at Pharsalia, the Senate permitted the Dignity of having the Victor's Effigies stamped on his Coin, and which (as we Read) render'd his own Sacred, and was indeed the most tran∣scendent Mark of Honor they could flatter him withal. But find∣ing my self prevented by that large and useful Account which Mr. Obed. Walker has already published; I wholly omit it, with the Addition only of those who succeeded Iovianus (where Mr. Walker has left off) who, tho' nothing so considerable as his Predecessor Emperors; yet since to assist that Collection, some may happly desire an Account of such as follow'd (and that there was any sort of Civility or tolerable Art remaining) I shall recite them down to Heraclius, which happen'd to be about the Second Century from Valens, the Seventy Third Em∣peror, about the Year 364 after the Incarnation.

73.

• D. N. VALENS. MAX. Aug. a Common Medal. Reigned 14 Years, Lived 50. Died 373. in Phrygia.
• Albia Dominica Aug. very Rare.
• D. N. PROCOPIVS. P. F. Aug. R. R. Reigned 1.

74.

• D. N. F. GRATIANVS P. F. Aug. Comm. Regnavit. 15. Vixit. 29. Mort. 390.
• FL. MAX. CONSTAN∣TIA. R. R.
• D. N. FIRMVS. P. F. Aug. R. R.
• A. Y. T. KAIC. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 EVC. CEB. K.

75.

• D. N. Flau. VALENTINIA∣NVS IVNIOR.
• P. Fel. Aug. C. Reg. 16. Vix. 26. Mor. 391.
• ...

• D. N. MAG. MAXIMVS. P. FEL. Aug. Com. Mort. in Gal. 388.
• D. N. F. L. VICTOR. P. F. Aug. Rare Mort. in Gallia. 388.

76.

• D. N. F. L. THEODOSIVS. P. F. Aug. Com. Reg. 17. Vix. 60. Mor. 392.
• AELIA. FLACCILLA. Aug. R.
• GALLA. PLACIDIA. Pia Felix Aug. R.
• D. N. EVGENIVS. P. F. Aug•• R. in Gal. Ger. R. I. M. 39.

77.

• D. N. Fla. ARCADIVS. P. F. Aug. C. Reg. 13. Vi. 31. Mor. 405.
• Aelin, EUDOXIA. Aug. R. R.

78.

• CENT. V.
• D. N. HONORIVS. P. F. Aug. Com. R. 31. V. 38. M. 421.

79.

• D. N. Flau. THEODOSIVS. P. Fel. Aug. R. IMP. XXXII. COS. XVII. P. P. Rom. Reg. 48. Vixit 48. Mort. 449. EVDOXIA. Aug. Rare.
• P. PRISCVS. ATTALUS. P. F. Aug. Rare.
• D. N. IOVINVS. P. F. Aug. Rare.
• D. N. HERACLIANVS. P. F. R. R.
• D. N. PETRONIVS. P. Fel. Aug. R. R.
• D. N. IOVINIANVS. P. F. Aug. R. R.
• D. N. IOANNES. P. F. Aug. R. R. In Ital.

80.

• D. N. PLAC. VALENTINI∣ANVS. P. F. Aug. R. R. Mort. 432.
• EVDOXIA. Aug. R.

81.

• D. N. MARCIANVS. R. R. R. 6. V.—M. 455.
• FL. PULCHERIA Aug. R.
• D. N. FL. ANICIUS. MAXI∣MUS. R. R. R. I. V.— M. 454.

82.

• D. N. FL. MAECILIUS. AVI∣TVS. R. R. R.—V. M. 444.

83.

• D. N. FL. Val. LEO. P. F. Aug. Com. R. 18. V—M. 474.
• FL. IUL. VERINA. Aug. R. R.

84.

• D. N. FL. LEO IUN. R. R. R. 13. V.—M. 474.

85.

• D. N. JVL. MAIORINVS. RR. R. 4. V.—M. 460.

86.

• D. N. LIB. SEVERVS. P. F. Aug. R. R. R.—V—M. 465.

87.

• D. N. FL. ANTHEMIVS. R. R. R. 6. V - M. 467. FL. MARCIA Augusta. R. R.

88.

• D. N. RICIMER VS. Fl. Aug. R. R.

89.

• D. N. Fl. Anic. OLVBRIVS. R. R. Mor. 491.
• Fl. PLACIDIA. Augusta. R. R.

90.

• D. N. GLYCERIVS. Per. P. F. R. R. R—V—, Mor. 472.

91.

• D. N. LEO. IUN. P. Fel. Aug. R. R. 1.

92.

• D. N. Fel. ZENO. P. Fel. Aug. R. R. V—. 490.

93.

• D. N. Fl. Jul. NEPOS. P. Fel. Aug. R. Aliquot Menses.

94.

• D. N. Fl. BASILISCVS. R. R. N. 3. Abdicat. 477.

95.

• D. N. Fl. LIONTIUS. R. Sub Zeno.

96.

• D. N. Fl. MOMMILLUS. AU∣GUSTUS. R. R.—476.

97.

• D. N. Fl. Valerius. ANASTA∣SIUS P. Fel. Perpetuus. Aug. Com. R. 29. V.—. M. 517.
• D. N. Fl. LONGINUS. P. Fel. Perpetnus. Golzii. R. R.
• D. N. FL. VITALIANUS. Perp. Golzii.

98.

• D. N. JUSTINUS. P. F. Aug. Flavius. Anicius. Perpet. Com. R. 9. V.—M. 526.
• FL. EUPHEMIA. Augu∣sta. R.

99.

• D. N. JUSTINIANUS. Aug. Fl. Amio. Perpet. Pius Felix. Com.
• Fl. THEODORA. ••Aug. R. R.

100.

• D. N. JUSTINVS. Perpet. P. Fel. Aug. C. R. 13. V—. M. 578.
• Fl. SOPHIA. Aug. R. R.

101.

• D. N. TIBERIUS. Constan∣tinus. Perp. P. Fel. Aug. C. R. 7. V—M. 592. Fl. Anastasia. Aug.

102.

• D. N. Flau. MAURITIUS. Tiberius. Perpet. Aug. R. R. 20. V. 65. M. 602.

103.

• D. N. Fl. THEODOSIUS Per∣pet. P. Aug. R. M. 602. SECUL. VII.

104.

• D. N. Fl. FOCAS. Aug. R. R—V—Mort. 610. LEONTIA. Aug. R.

105.

• D. N. HERACLIUS. R. P. 33. V—640.
• Hic Terminus Esto.

For after this, there's little worth Collecting, or at least very rarely; tho' now and then, and by Chance, one may perad∣venture light upon something which may serve to explain and fill up some part of later History in those dark Ages en∣suing, which will best be discovered by the Fabric of the Medal.

AND now I have but a Word to add before I come to FINIS: And it is the Earnest Recommending to such Per∣sons as are Possessors of Medals, Intaglias, Inscriptions, Statues and other Rare and Curious Antiquities, Collections and pecu∣liar Treasure of Princes and Great Men (such as were King Charles the First, the illustrious Earl of Arundel, and the rest we have named) the Entertaining of some Learned and Know∣ing Person, who with the Library might have the Charge and Keeping of their Cabinets, Nummi Phylacia, and Curiosities of this Nature, and be qualified to Discourse pertinently upon, as well as shew them to Learned Strangers and others, whom the Fame of such Ra••ities may invite with a Decency be∣coming Learned Men; and not (as too usually) leave and abandon them to the Custody of a Valet-de-Chambre, or some Ignorant Mercenary, who knows neither how to Value, Pre∣serve or shew them as they ought, and to the Credit and Honor of their Masters.

Were this reformed, we should then, as in Italy, France, Germany, (and other Polite and Learned Nations) have fre∣quent Catalogues of what were most Rare yet extant, and in being of Antient and Useful Erudition, derivable from these Precious Remains in the Cabinets and Archives of the Cu∣rious, and of which the Learned Keepers of such Repositories would give Notice, and Exercise their Talents by publishing something of Use and Advantage to the Republic of Letters, as so many Antiquaries and Knowing Persons have done Abroad

to the Honor of their Countries (spreading the Reputations of those Generous and Noble Persons to whom they belong) for the Benefit of the Learned World, and not keep them so wholly to themselves, as few or none are the better for them.

It is to this Sense, and without vanity, I would therefore apply that of Theognis and the Satyrist,

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Scire tuum nihil est, nisi te scire hoc sciat alter.

—'Tis nothing worth that lies Conceal'd, And Science is not Science till Reveal'd.

Mr. Dryden.

Notes

• * 1.1

  See Mr. Fleetwood's Sermon be∣fore the Ld. Mayor, 1694.
• * 1.2

  Cornelia Lex falsi, a∣gainst Cor∣rupters of Coins.
• * 1.3

  Sacra M••∣net••.
• * 1.4

  10000 Du∣cats. Agrippa de Vanitat. Sci.
• * 1.5

  Rom. 3. 8.
• * 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.7

  Monsieur Freart.
• * 1.8

  Nat. Hist. lib. VI. C 22. Quod pares pondere denarii essent in ••••ptiva pecunia, cum diversae imagines indicarent à pluribus factos.
• * 1.9

  Recher. L: VI. C. 21.
• * 1.10

  Original in the Cotton Library, and now publish∣ed in Hist. Reformat. Book II. Part II.
• * 1.11

  Nigra Mo∣neta, Mart.
• * 1.12

  Iuv. Sat. XIV.
• * 1.13

  By Mr. Lounds out of the Red Book Ex∣chequer. See Iudge Hales's She∣riffs Ac∣compts, &c.
• * 1.14

  Not is in Klock: His words are these, Quae nunc i∣terum Mone∣rarumcorrup∣tio in Imperio nostro exi∣stat; & quam fru∣stra huic morbo me∣dendo hacte∣nus desuda∣verint viri etiam corda∣tiores, palam est.
• * 1.15

  See Budetius Script. de Arte Cuden∣duc Monetae.
• * 1.16

  Notae ad Brit. Numis.s
• * 1.17

  Car. Patin Famil. Rom.