Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

The March 19,1974 issue of Numismatic New contained a feature article, "Who's Who in the Hobby," spotlighting Abe Kosoff. Written by Ed Reiter, the text told of Kosoff's many accomplishments over the years. The introductior observed:

"If numismatics had a Hall of Fame, Abraham ('Abe') Kosoff would surely be enshrined there. In a career spanning nearly half a century, Kosoff has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable and most respected coin dealers in the business. He has also won acclaim as c chronicler of the passing hobby scene."

Following a brief biography, Ed Reiter discussed Abe Kosoff's current activities:

"More recently, he has concentrated on consultation and appraisal work and handling large collections, with Palm Springs, California as his base of operations. For all his efforts to cut back he still hasn't realized his cherished goal of semi retirement. 'Up to a couple years ago I did have more time for myself,' he said. 'But I imagine my name must be in about a thousand wills. People who were 30 or 40 when I started are well along in years now, and hardly a month goes by when I don't get a call from an old-timer or his widow or daughter asking me to handle their collection. Many may be very small, but we don't turn away any of our old friends, no matter how big or small. None of us goes up the ladder without someone giving us a boost.'

In this photograph from the 19705, Harry Clements (director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing) and Stella Hackel (director of the Mint) share a moment with Abe Kosoff.

"His normal consultation and appraisal fee is $1,000 per day, but he charges his old friends much less ... He no longer conducts auctions as regularly as he once did, but through the years he has handled many major sales, including auctions at eight different American Numismatic Association conventions-the latest at San Diego in 1968.

"Kosoff has been a member of the ANA for some 40 years and holds life membership No. 81. He never has sought elective office in the association-in fact, he has 'avoided it like the plague'-but his unstinting contribution of time, money, and knowledge has made him one of the organization's most valued and valuable members. He has served the ANA without compensation on countless occasions as a consultant, judge, master of ceremonies, and as a member of a number of committees.

"His service to the ANA reflects the strong commitment he feels to maintaining high standards not only in his own business dealings, but throughout numismatics. It was this dedication which prompted him to organize the PNG a quarter century ago ... "
In the 1970s, Abe Kosoff nearly always served as master of ceremonies at the annual banquet of the Professional Numismatists Guild held prior to the summer ANA convention. At the event held in Bal Harbour, Florida, in August 1974, he presented Q. David Bowers with the Founders' Award. Bowers was cited for his service to numismatics, his numismatic research and writing, and other professional activities.

Little did Abe Kosoff realize that two years later he himself would be the recipient of the PNG's highest honor, an award that he established. In 1976, at the ANA convention held that year in New York City, the Professional Numismatists Guild gave him the Founders' Award, noting that he was being honored for "performing an outstanding contribution, for his undying, unselfish work on the grading system." Coin World continued the story:

"Nominators for the annual award, founded by Kosoff himself, turned tables on him, and voted the honor for his achievements.

"Kosoff established the Founders' Award in 1973. First recipient was John Jay Ford, Jr., in 1974 the award went to Q. David Bowers, in 1975 to John Smies, as he left the PNG's chief professional office. 'If I ever had to do it over again, I doubt if I would have the strength,' Kosoff said as he accepted the award from his peers. He told the banquet audience he hoped that grading standards for United States coins had come out of the New York convention. The basic work is done, he said, except for final editing."

Throughout the late 1970s, much advertising placed by Abe for A. Kosoff, Inc. featured the picture of his daughter, Sonnie, with the notation:

"For years Dad's answer to 'Have you got it?' has been, 'It's probably in the warehouse.' So now I am digging into the warehouse. Who knows what we will find? So watch these pages."

Drawing on a vast stock of coins dating back to early Numismatic Gallery days, Abe and Sonnie presented coins from Lincoln cents to double eagles, from patterns to coins of Iceland. Not overlooked were numismatic books, including numerous obscure titles and specialized works could have yielded but little profit to the sellers.

After the Official ANA Grading Standards book became a reality, Abe Kosoff wrote a tribute to his co-author, Ken Bressett:

"Everyone has known Ken for a long time, and so have I. But our recent collaboration on the Official ANA Grading Standards for u.s. Coins gave me an opportunity to know him much better. I had been working on that project for more than three years. I was at the wall-climbing stage when Ken came to the rescue. He pitched in with both feet, did a superb rewrite job, and brought the project to fruitation.