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Auction: 336 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1834

Septentrionalium Terrarum description. Gerardus Mercator, Jodocus Hondius. Ca. 1610. 15 ¼ x 14 1/3", hand color. Latin text on verso. This hemispherical map was the first devoted to the Arctic. The hemisphere is framed by a floral pattern with four roundels, which contain the title, Faeroe Islands, Shetland Islands, and the mythical island of Frisland. Following legend, the North Pole is shown as a large rock with a giant whirlpool surrounded by four islands separated by rivers. One of the islands is noted to be inhabited by pygmies. In North America, there is a very early reference to California (California regio sola fama Hispanis nota). A few small tears bottom center, otherwise Very Good.

Sold for
$1,900