Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

The earlier offering of 1909-S V.D.B. cents "sure brought the mailman," noted Abe Kosoff. "Sorry to disappoint so many, but everyone ordered several. The early birds got 'em!" It was further noted that "our 1914-D cent at $17.50 went quickly. Customers reported seeing listings for almost half that price, but the dealer advertising such did not have them. Say, when we don't have them, we sell them cheaper than that!"

The Numismatic Gallery Monthly of December 1948 was an unusually large size, 16 pages, and included Auction No. 47, a listing of United States and Canadian items comprising 685 lots. Also featured were large cents at fixed prices, later years through 1857, and other pieces.

"Wayte Raymond's 1949 Standard Catalogue, now off the press, at $3.50 postpaid, does a good job of recognizing new market values," Abe Kosoff noted in "Money Talks." He seemed to feel that the market was picking up, for he noted: "For a couple years it has been FOR SALE-now dealers are again out to buy. Advertisements again start out WANTED." However, the market was slow in 1948, and the slowness would remain for much of the next year or so as well.

The California-New York competition continued to make print: 'The Gallery marches on as this December MONTHLY is released, ye editor is supposed to be in the East haunting old haunts. Plans call for hustling to get back before the winter snows set in. Due back in Los Angeles on December 10th with Jack Frost on our necks and BR-R-R-the thought of it almost calls for canceling the trip. I am glad our Eastern friends can take it-and dish it out too-see below."

Then was quoted a comment from H.S. a New York City reader: "Hey, you A.K.' s. How can you find one another through that fog?" which elicited the following answer from Abe Kosoff: "Fog? Fog? Fog?-OKAY we heard you. Well-we give up. This is your round."

The "Numismatic Gallery Monthly," October 1948, featured Abner Kreisberg with entertainment personalities Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.

The "Money Talks" column from the October 1948 issue of "Numismatic Gallery Monthly" told of Abe Kosoff's trips, the desirability of California, and other topics.