Q. David Bowers
From the late 1960s onward, Abe Kosoff was a regular contributor to Coin World. In December 1980, his collected columns were published in book form, Abe Kosoff Remembers. The foreword by the author noted:
"I have always regretted that 'old-timers' like Wayte Raymond, B. Max Mehl, the Chapman brothers, Ira S. Reed, Thomas Elder, and others never recorded their numismatic experiences. I would so much enjoy their stories! As it is, a lot of numismatic lore is lost to us forever. It seems a shame. Feeling as I do, I was easy prey to the persuasions of so many who urged me to 'write a book.' Particularly encouraging were Dave Bowers, Mort Reed, and Margo Russell.
"These tales represent some 13 years of writing for Coin World ... If the reading public responds favorably to this volume and the Good Lord looks with Favor upon me, perhaps there will be a second volume. There are so many to thank, and they know I am grateful. I must say a special thank you to Coin World and to Margo Russell for making the beginnings possible, and to Sanford Durst for making the finished product a reality. To my daughter, Sonnie, I am grateful for the many tedious hours of indexing." Sanford J. Durst, the publisher of Abe Kosoff Remembers, added his commentary, noted here in part:
"Of the nearly four dozen numismatic volumes published by us, none has given us so much pleasure to produce as this one. As a serious numismatist for many years, I know the average collector's feeling of remoteness with those making numismatic history, even in their own time. Specifically, the average collector belongs to a local club, reads one or two publications regularly, visits a few local coin shows and perhaps the American Numismatic Association convention or a major regional show, bids in an auction or two, orders coins or books by mail, and that's pretty much it.
"I have been fortunate indeed to have, by the circumstance of my business, become acquainted with, and in some instances, become good friends with those who make our numismatic history and to attend some of the happenings of importance in our very special fraternity.
"Among those special friends I number Abe Kosoff. He is so highly respected as a human being and a fellow numismatist throughout the world "I have been fortunate indeed to have, by the circumstance of my business, become acquainted with, and in some instances, become good friends with those who make our numismatic history and to attend some of the happenings of importance in our very special fraternity.
"Among those special friends I number Abe Kosoff. He is so highly respected as a human being and a fellow numismatist throughout the world handling the greatest and most significant coins in the world, bear recording.