Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

Molly and Abe Kosoff, November 1968.

This candid snapshot from the files of "Coin World" shows Abe with son Steve, each sporting an impressive number of ANA convention attendance bars.

An Extremely Fine 1856 Flying Eagle cent fetched $1,650, an 1876-CC 20-cent piece brought just $6,350 ("but its condition was such that most advanced collectors didn't like it," Abe Kosoff was quoted as saying), and a 1796 quarter in nearly Fine grade brought $1,650.

In August 1968, A. Kosoff, Inc. and Numismatic Enterprises conducted the American Numismatic Association convention auction in San Diego, the eighth and last such event for the veteran dealer. By that time, he had conducted more ANA convention sales than any other professional numismatist in history, with James Kelly, the Dayton dealer, coming in second.

Then came the California State Numismatic Association auction sale, held from October 31 through November 2, 1968, a joint venture of Abe Kosoff, Inc. and Numismatic Enterprises. The sale was among the first to use a numerical grading system for all coins. The preface noted:

"In this catalogue the reader may notice that in most instances there is a number accompanying the grading of the coin. This numbering system stems from a practice instituted by Dr. William H. Sheldon in his grading of early American cents. We feel that the scale for grading will give the collector a better impression of the condition of the coin described. The scale runs from 1 through 70, perfection being 70, 65 being Mint State, and downward ... Although this scale of grading will never do away with the individual differences in the viewing of the condition of the coin it is, we feel, another step toward better cataloguing."

By March 1969, Steve Kosoff had worked with his father for more than a decade. In later times his involvement was as a partner in Numismatic Enterprises with Myron (Mike) Kliman.

It is appropriate at this point to reprint the words of Abe Kosoff, as originally prepared for the March 26th, 1969 issue of Coin World:

"Tonight I am moved to write about a present-day numismatist, one whose name should be familiar to most collectors and dealers.

"He is a chap with whom I have worked for quite a few years. As a youth he frequented my office, later he served an apprenticeship under my guidance. He went to his first national convention when he was 10 years old, and his chain of annual convention bars numbers 16.

"Having a natural attachment for him, I taught him as he grew into manhood. He had a keen eye, a thirst for knowledge, and a fine head on his shoulders. He enjoyed the camaraderie that goes with coin shows and conventions. The friendliness of the hobbyist was right down his alley. A soft kindness was a characteristic which he covered up-it seemed to him that a big fellow should give quite a different impression. But it did not take long for those who grew to know him to discover that under the surface was a heart of gold.