Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

Numismatic books occupied a section of the October 1948 issue, with an original copy of Sylvester S. Crosby's Early Coins of America offered at $57.50, and various Chapman brothers auction catalogues priced from $3 to $10.

The "Money Talks" column described a train trip to the East with Molly, a three day visit in New York, then a continuation to Boston accompanied by Vernon Brown and Martin Kortjohn.

"John Zug back in good health and happy to see Stuart Mosher taking many pictures for The Numismatist ... The Smithsonian Institution may be the scene of Stewart Mosher's activity henceforth. Stewart is in line for a position as director. Good luck!

"Brooklyn Coin Club meeting interesting as usual, and glad to make it again before catching a TWA Constellation back to Beverly Hills and that wonderful California climate ... Another well-known dealer is considering California (yes, leaving New York), probably heading for the northern section. It is practically certain, but an announcement should come from him first. And, who's next?

"WORDS AND FIGURES-recognize that a trend of numismatic interest is rapidly spreading westward and that California, with MORE collectors than any other state (figures available), is he new center. One of our colleagues gasps about New York as a Coin Capital. WORDS. We certainly do not discount New York's importance, but its period of supremacy is in the past. California's DEFINITELY on top and, we repeat, we have FIGURES."

The Numismatic Gallery Monthly for November 1948 started out with an impressive listing of patterns including many Gobrecht dollars and early issues, one of the finest fixed price offerings up to that time. Taking top price honors was an example of Adams-Woodin No. 322, a gold impression of the extremely rare eagle designed by Dr. Barclay, offered at $2,200.

Among regular issue coins, Proof 1891 and 1903 Double eagles were offered at $192.50 and $182.50 respectively, while an Uncirculated MCMVII High relief coin of the same denomination was posted it $115. A Matte Proof 1908 double eagle could be had for $130, while $127.50 was the cost of a 1909/8 overdate. Proof Morgan dollars cost in the range of $7 to $11 for most issues, the 1921 at $37.50 being an exception. Proof Barber half dollars generally cost $7 to $8.75 each, with $21.75 asked for the scarcer 1915. Proof trade dollars were priced in the $11 to $15 range and included nearly all dates. A 1936 Proof set could be bought 'or $49, while a 1937 set cost $21 and a 1938 set cost $12.75. Uncirculated Barber dimes cost $1.90 and upward.

The "Money Talks" section of the November 1948 issue noted that Abner Kreisberg had just crossed the country by automobile, stopping to see Sol Kaplan in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then to Ottumwa, Iowa, where Mr. & Mrs. David Pierce were hosts, also visiting Dr. and Mrs. J. Hewitt Judd in the same state, followed by some sight seeing at Bryce and Zion National Parks and the Grand Canyon. At Salt Lake City they were created to a "50c tour guided by good old Norman Shultz."

The American Numismatic Association was a cit lax in not awarding numerous ribbons at its annual shows. Into the gap came the Numismatic Gallery. Abe Kosoff reported:

"Enthusiastic collectors sought ribbons awarded by the Numismatic Gallery for convention exhibits. S.M. Koeppel took home the Blue Ribbon for his exhibit of biblical coins; Michael P. Carey, who boasts ANA No. 382, was the second prize winner; Clint Hester third; and Charles Ruby fourth ... Carey says 42 years in the ANA-this is the first time anything like this has happened to me!

"This award is open to any numismatic convention, and the Numismatic Gallery offers special ribbons to exhibitors. Local judges will preside at each convention. Now we collectors don't have to envy horses, dogs, or bulls-we too can win a ribbon!".

The passing of Ted Brandts, a victim of polio, was noted with sadness and shock. Described as a "grand, unassuming young man," Ted Brandts and his brother Carl operated the Celina Coin Company in Ohio and during the mid-1940s handled many important rarities.