Jean Boisard

Jean Boisard (also Boizard) was a learned Frenchman, who died around 1725. His birth date is not known. He is considered to be one of founders, in the 17th century, of numismatics, the science or specialized knowledge and collection of medals and coins. He was Counsellor at the French royal “Cour des Monnaies”. In 1692, he published a short treatise on coins, entitled “Traité des Monnaies, de leurs circonstances et dépendances”. In his book (which was reprinted several times during the first quarter of the 18th century), very precise and accurate details were given on alloy and on manufacturing secrets. As a result, the government forbade its circulation, being afraid that it could be used as a guidebook for counterfeiters. There are still some rare copies available, which are consulted by contemporary specialists of numismatics.