Jean Babelon

Jean Babelon (1889–1978) was a French librarian, historian, and numismatist. The son of Ernest Babelon, he trained at the École Nationale des Chartes, earning his degree as an archivist paleographer in 1910. He dedicated his entire career to the Cabinet des Médailles at the French National Library, which was directed by his father, and served as its director from 1937 to 1961.

A recognized specialist in Greek coins and medals, Jean Babelon authored key reference works, including the Catalogue de monnaies grecques de la collection de Luynes in four volumes (1924–1936) and La numismatique antique (1944). He also had a strong interest in Spanish art and literature, reflecting his broad cultural knowledge. Additionally, he co-edited the journal Aréthuse from 1923 to 1931.