Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

"In 1958, when I was privileged to catalogue the ANA convention auction sale, this young man, then 18 years old, assisted me. From then on he grew in stature as he learned about coins, so that in 1966, for another ANA auction, his contribution to the catalogue was considerable. Indeed, in 1968, for the San Diego ANA convention he, together with his brother-in-law who had entered my firm back in the 1950s, was responsible for about 80 % of the cataloguing for that sale-which proved to be a very big success.

"I think it was in 1961 that I recognized that these two young men had a great deal to offer as professional numismatists. I suggested they spread their wings as I did many years before. They formed a partnership and called it Numismatic Enterprises, and that name has become well known in the numismatic field.

"I missed their help and frequently called on them for assistance. We decided to conduct all of our auction sales jointly, a move which paid off for all concerned.

"Now, the partnership has ended. The young man will no longer write any earthly catalogues. Perhaps the Lord wanted a fine young numismatist to serve in heaven. I can't believe that Steve died of a heart attack on March 3, 1969. I know that's what they said, I know we laid his body to rest. I know my eyes are misty for a good reason, but I can't believe he's gone.

"I know that they say that time takes care of all these things, but right now I don't think I will ever believe it-because his friendly smile, his kindness, his wit, all are so clear to me. Even through the mist, I know these things cannot be taken away.

"Suddenly, I do not feel like writing anymore.

There really is no end to this story. Could it be because on March 3, 1969, Steve Kosoff was only 28 years of age?"

The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine issue of April 1969 contained Steve Kosoff's obituary:

"Steve Kosoff, 28, co-partner in Numismatic Enterprise, Encino, California, and son of Mrs. and Mr. Abe Kosoff, died at 9:30 p.m. on March 3rd at his Van Nuys home after a day of illness. It was believed that a heart attack caused his death, although he had been under treatment for some time as a diabetic.

"In addition to his wife, Carlene Kosoff, and parents, widely known throughout the world in numismatic circles, he leaves a two-year old son, Troy, a sister, Sondra, and a brother-in-law and his partner in Numismatic Enterprises, Myron Kliman.

"A native of Brooklyn, New York, Steve was born May 31, 1940, the only son of Abe and Molly Kosoff. His family moved to California in the late 1940s. Steve Kosoff was a life member of the ANA, a member of the PNG, and other organizations. Funeral rites were held Thursday, March 6, at Hillside Memorial Park, Inglewood, California, with interment there.

"The firm of Numismatic Enterprises and A. Kosoff, Inc. will continue with Mike Kliman and A. Kosoff joining together to operate the firms, Kliman said on March 10th, as he expressed the family's gratitude for the messages of condolence and concern from their many friends.

"Abe Kosoff wrote recently that Steve Kosoff attended his first national convention at the age of 10. Since then, many other national conventions had been visited. The two worked together at the 1950 ANA convention auction sale and several prominent auctions since then."

On October 21, 1969, Abe Kosoff and Mike Kliman conducted a mail bid sale under the names of A. Kosoff, Inc. and Numismatic Enterprises. The offering was comprised of United States copper, silver, and gold coins, paper currency, and a selection of foreign pieces.

In 1969, numerous press notices related that after a lapse of more than 30 years, a new "silver" dollar had been proposed. By that year silver had faded from the coinage scene, but special silver-content dollars were suggested as a means of raising money by sales to collectors.

Following the death of Steve Kosoff on March 3, 1969, Abe Kosoff and Mike Kliman continued their relationship. This advertisement from the May 1969 issue of "The Numismatist" gives their travel schedules.