Q. David Bowers
Abe Kosoff penned his thoughts concerning the relationship between the PNG and the ANA, the PNG and its relationship with dealers, and other matters:
"The Professional Numismatists Guild has worked hand in hand with many conventions and association leaders and, particularly, with the American Numismatic Association and its various committees. It has made regular and substantial contributions to the ANA. It has promoted various award competitions and makes annual presentations of note. Its members have been in the forefront of ANA activities and have made continuous efforts towards the establishment and growth of the American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS).
"The PNG conducted its own shows in Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles for several years and on a regular basis has attracted many collectors and dealers to its own PNG Day, always gala affairs, held prior to the Central states Numismatic Society and American Numismatic Association conventions each year.
"But the PNG can be most proud of the fact that it has cleaned its own house. When a professional numismatist joins the PNG, he adds prestige to his stature, but he also agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of the Guild, to abide by its By-Laws and Code of Ethics and to submit to compulsory arbitration should he become involved in any dispute.
No, PNG membership does not out a halo around a dealer's brow remind him
him of his responsibilities. And if he forgets, he is reminded again.
"This may be a little late, but when they asked me to select an emblem, they also requested a slogan. I like to think that an appropriate slogan for PNG members would read: 'A happy customer is our greatest asset.'
"The small group which organized in 1950 has grown to a vibrant, influential and prestigious Guild of over 300. May the guild grow from strength to strength and may the customer always remain its greatest asset."
Abe Kosoff was the first president of the Professional Numismatists Guild during its growth years, serving in that office for the 1954-1955 term, at which time the PNG went from an informal group to its corporate form. In 1964 and 1965 he was again elected to the PNG's highest office. In 1973 Abe, with an eye toward honoring his fellow professionals, established the Founders' Award and designated it as the highest honor bestowed on PNG members by the Guild. After Abe Kosoff's death in 1983, the Board of Directors of the Guild voted to change the name to the Abe Kosoff Founders' Award.
The first recipient of the award in 1953, was John Jay Ford, Jr., the distinguished numismatic scholar who for many years was associated with the New Netherlands Coin Company. In 1974 the honor went to Q. David Bowers, followed in 1975 by John J. Smies, who had served as executive secretary. In 1976 no one was more surprised than Abe Kosoff to learn that he had been designated as the recipient of the Founders' Award, a just tribute to the individual whom the Board of Directors and members considered to be more influential than any other in the PNG's history and accomplishments.