Die Natur des Geldes. – Samuel Oppenheim Mainz: Verlag von Victor v. Zabern, 1855. viii, 453 pages. 20.3cm x 12.8cm. Hardcover in brown-marbled cardboard binding with a hand-lettered label on the spine. First edition of this foundational mid-19th-century German monetary treatise. Published during a transformative era of European financial integration and banking expansion, Samuel Oppenheim’s comprehensive study provides a meticulous analysis of the origins of money, the mechanics of credit, and the structural creation of value within a modern economy. Of particular significance to modern economic history is Oppenheim's extensive, pre-1871 exploration of metallic standards, heavily analyzing the mechanics of gold and silver currencies (Gold- und Silberwährung), the valuation of gold coinage (Goldmünzen), and the fundamental structural rules governing backing systems and banking adequate cover—thematic precursors that directly anticipated the institutionalization of the formal Gold Standard across Europe. Some rubbing, bumping, and wear to the boards and spine. Some soiling and water damage to the hand-lettered label on the spine. Coloured pencil and pencil markings on the front pastedown endpaper. Pencil markings on the back pastedown endpaper. Defunct library stamp on the title page. Some browning, spotting and the occasional creases on the corners and margins throughout. The text is clear, and the binding is solid. Overall, a copy in good condition.