Mercantile Money Museum

Mercantile Tower Seventh & Washington St. Louis, Mo. 63101 314-421-1819

John W. Adams June 30, 1993 Adams, Harkness & Hill

PaO. Box. 1533

Boston, MA 02104

Re: Numismatic Literature Dear Mr. Adams:

I have run across a snipet of information which may be of interest to you. I am presently doing biographical research on Edward Cogan. In the course of that research I read a piece in the American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 1 No. 12, p. 96 in which Cogan makes a curious correction concerning who conducted the sale on October 28, 1859 (he was correcting a historical listing of all the previous coin auctions between 1828 and 1860). He states that W.C. Tripler was not the correct name; that W.C. Cook was correct, and that further he, Edward Cogan, was the owner "as I had bought the Collection some time before". I found this curious as it isn’t really reflected in either your book or Davis’ book. Was it simply easier to use the former owner’s name when collections were bought outright ? I don’t have access to this particular catalogue but I assume it has Tripler’s name on the cover. If this is the umteenth time this has been mentioned to you, my apologies. Because it seemed to be such an odd correction, I thought it would be worthwhile to mention it.

In your book, United States Numismatic Literature, you state that a good deal is known about Cogan’s early life but it was not germane to your study. If you have notes or materials that you would be willing to share with me or if you could direct me to where this information can be obtained I would be most appreciative. If you have any help or advice that you could offer, I would be glad to have it. Of course I’1l1 be happy to acknowledge you help.

Sincerely,

Thomas Serfass Curator

PS. the Listing was trom ASN vol, Nb whrek

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