Abe Kosoff: Dean of Numismatics

"The secret is in the concentrated planning, the careful cataloguing and the support of loyal and satisfied customers. When you sell, hire the man who's geared to do the job right."

Over the years, Abe Kosoff penned more words about B. Max Mehl than just about any other single numismatic figure. Mehl, the Fort Worth, Texas dealer, was a close friend. In 1957 in the final months of his life, Mehl turned to Kosoff, as the latter related in his reminiscences:

'When Max took sick, he was bothered by an obligation to his bank. It was a tidy sum in those days but really not a problem to Max considering; the size of his holdings.

Nevertheless, it bothered him. He had Mary Ferguson, his secretary, phone me. He wanted to have me handle a consignment of his coins to sell at auction so that he could liquidate the bank debt. She did not tell me that Max was ill.

"My schedule had been a very hectic one. I was tired and I still had some commitments to fulfill. I couldn't wait for these things to be over so that I could relax a bit. I told Mary that I really could not undertake another sale unless time was not of the essence. Mary hung up.

"In a little while, Ethel Mehl called and explained the circumstances. If Max knew that I was going to handle the coins it would relieve him greatly. There was no way I could refuse. The coins came in and I prepared a catalogue, but Max passed away before the sale could take place. However, he was at peace, his debts would be paid.

In the summer of 1956 many announcements appeared concerning the collection formed over a long period of time by William P. Donlon, a Utica, New York numismatist. Featured were many outstanding items, including a prize-winning collection of United States Proof sets. ("The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine," August 1956)