Catalogue of the Gréau sales: by Hoffman for French and foreign coins in 1867, and by M. Cohen for Roman coins in 1869. 3 plates for the first part and 7 plates for the Roman coins. Half leather binding
The dispersal of the Gréau Collection stands as one of the major numismatic events of the 19th century. Assembled by the collector Julien Gréau, this remarkable collection reflects both the scholarly rigor and the ambition characteristic of the great private cabinets of the period.
The first part of the sale took place in Paris in 1867 under the expertise of Hermann Hoffmann, and included French and foreign coinage. The catalogue, describing over a thousand lots and accompanied by engraved plates, is now regarded as one of the most important auction catalogues of its time. It provides a detailed overview of an exceptional ensemble, illustrating the geographical and historical breadth of Gréau’s holdings.
The second part, devoted to Roman coinage, was published in 1869 by Henry Cohen, then attached to the Cabinet des Médailles. This catalogue, conceived with both scholarly precision and commercial clarity, follows the tradition of works intended for collectors and dealers alike, offering a practical and well-structured reference tool.
Taken together, these two catalogues form an essential record in the history of numismatic collections and the 19th-century art market. They remain valuable bibliographical references today, both for the study of ancient coinage and for understanding the landmark sales that shaped the field.
