Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

Chapter 9

A New Era

The publication also noted that Abe Kosoff had catalogued many important auctions in the past, at that point had conducted sales five times for the American Numismatic Association, and had many other credits, including being the founder of the Numismatic Gallery, the organizer of the Professional Numismatists Guild, and a contributor to many publications.

Offered for sale at fixed prices were many items.

From the B.G. Johnson estate was a Sierra Nevada Mining Co. $2.50 silver territorial pattern, 1850, "not very choice but undoubtedly very rare as no coinage by this company is known," $175.

A 1792 half disme in About Fine was priced at $160, while Proof trade dollars of 1874 and 1881 were offered for $29 and $32.50 respectively. An 1878-S Uncirculated Morgan dollar could be had for $1.75, or a Philadelphia Mint version of the same year and type could be purchased for $2.50.

In keeping with the Numismatic Gallery Monthly, Kosoff's Coin Bulletin featured the "Money Talks" column. In this particular issue Abe Kosoff noted that although he was only 41 years of age he had 25 years of experience behind him and came to clients "with a vitality born of constructive imagination and forceful initiative, added to a desire to serve, fidelity of purpose, and a long and credible experience; this is a formula for happy and successful trading."

Abe was particularly proud of his Box 456 number and featured it in numerous display ads, noting, "as simple as 1-2-3 write 456. For your numismatic wants it's A.K. 456. It's easy to remember Box 456, Encino, California.

"Adolfo Hale, recently a California visitor, writes 'where is this Encino?' Over the hill, eight miles from Beverly Hills, in the growing San Fernando Valley, home of a 'million' stars of the entertainment world. With Uncle Sam's Post Office Department carrying your orders and our shipments we have an efficient setup."

Following the Farouk Sale a brilliant chapter in the annals of coin collecting came to an end: The Numismatic Gallery was no more. For personal reasons, Abe Kosoff and Abner Kreisberg decided to go their own ways. Leaving the store at 228 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, Abe Kosoff conducted his business from Post Office Box 456, Encino, California. The Beverly Hills store was maintained by Abner Kreisberg, who adopted the coin Gallery name. Several years later, Abner took Jerry Cohen, a Tucson, Arizona professional numismatist, as a partner. For nearly 25 years until 1984-they conducted a retail trade and staged many outstanding auctions. In 1984, Abner Kreisberg, then in his eighties, retired from coins, and Jerry Cohen set up his own independent business at another Beverly Hills location.

In the meantime, Abe Kosoff started a new-publication. The first issue of Kosoff's Coin bulletin, dated September 1954, had the following introduction:

"We hope you like us-it's been about a year and a half since I last edited such a periodical. Since the same mailing list is being used, most of you will remember the Numismatic Gallery Monthly. Your letters indicated that you liked it -many offered to subscribe to it, and we enjoyed putting it out.

"Unfortunately the pressure of other affairs prevented a regular release, and it was with regret hat it was discontinued in April 1953. Now I hope o take up the regular periodical release of Kosoff's Coin Bulletin.

"You are invited to criticize, suggest, buy, sell, trade, or what have you. Interesting articles, news terns, etc., pertaining to numismatics or numismatic personalities are welcome and will be published as space permits. We hope you like us."

In July 1954 collectors were greeted with the announcement that Abe Kosoff and Abner Kreisberg were operating independently in the rare coin business-the end of an era. For all practical purposes the Numismatic Gallery had ceased to exist. ("The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine," July 1954)

One of the first advertisements placed by Abe Kosoff after the discontinuation of the Numismatic Gallery featured the easily remembered 456 box number at the Encino, California Post Office. ("The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine," August 1954)