Frossard’s Numisma, Complete with All Supplements

Frossard, Ed. [editor]. NUMISMA. Volumes I–X, complete (Irvington, January 1877–December 1891). A complete set of sixty issues, in fifty-nine as issued, with all eight supplements included. 4to, later green half morocco with marbled sides; spine ruled in gilt, with two green morocco spine labels, gilt. Condition of individual issues ranges from very good to fine, with few problems, all in a fine recent binding. A remarkable publication. Fewer than a dozen complete sets are currently known to be extant, and it is doubtful whether most of those include all of the issued supplements. The first nine volumes were published bimonthly but the final volume was issued over a five-year period, which, combined with being printed in a modest, self-covered format, helps to explain its rarity. Supplements were issued for the following numbers: Vol. IV, No. 6 (4 pages, and missing from the 1983 reprint); Vol. V, No. 1 (2 pages); Vol. V, No. 4 (2 pages); Vol. VI, No. 2 (2 pages); Vol. VI, No. 6 (4 pages); Vol. VIII, No. 1 (4 pages); Vol. VIII, No. 2 (4 pages); Vol. IX, No. 6 (4 pages); while Vol. X, Nos. 3 and 6 were of above-average length, they seem to have been issued in one piece, which may also be true of some of the earlier Supplements. In United States Numismatic Literature, Volume I, John W. Adams wrote: “Frossard opened his own business in 1877 and initiated his own periodical, Numisma. This latter, undoubtedly the most lively publication of its kind, provides us with an intimate glimpse into the hobby as it and its personalities then existed. The editor deals out praise to his friends but doesn’t hesitate to flog offending competitors, a list which includes Scott, Proskey (he of the India Rubber conscience), Mason, Steigerwalt, Woodward and the Chapmans, among others.” Over a century after publication, Numisma is still a delightful and instructive read. Ex ANS Library (Charles Davis auction of February 7, 2009, lot 95; binding executed later).