I did not really know Henry personally, but in July 1987, I participated in the American Numismatic Association’s Summer Seminar on Ancient Roman Coinage, taught by Robert Hoge. Henry was one of the students in the class. At the end of the week, the seminar students took in a play, at the end of which we were called on stage for a “class photo.”

Those in the photo are (left to right): Robert Hoge (ANA Museum Curator at the time, and class instructor), Bill Mross, Henry Bergos, myself (Bill Daehn), Tim (last name unknown), Matt Zuckerman, Don Ottaway, and Larry Gentile. In the photo, we are giving instructor Hoge a “Roman salute.” If I remember correctly, that was Henry’s idea.

I knew Henry from shows in NYC when there were 3 or 4 good ones there a year. The AINA shows, the old NY International on 7th Ave and the occasional GENA show and even the ANA once in a while. He was always good for a half-hour or more of conversation. We never did a great deal of business together but we bought and sold books to each other but probably very little of anything else.

I believe AINA halted their shows sometimes in the 90's and I stopped taking tables at the NY International when they moved to the Waldorf-Astoria after the 9/11 terror attack, so I guess I just thought I missed Henry rather than he wasn't around anymore. I vaguely remember him telling me once that he was moving down south. I just couldn't see it. To me Henry was a New Yorker, and more specifically a Brooklyn guy. Like so many people in our community he was one of a kind.