The E-Sylum:  Volume 11, Number 12, March 23, 2008, Article 6

HARRY FORMAN 1924-2008

I was sad to learn via Coin World (March 24, 2008, p44) of
the death of Harry Forman, the longtime Philadelphia coin
dealer.  He authored a couple of books on coin investing, but
I was unaware of his involvement with publishing Chuck O'Donnell's
"Handbook of Modern U.S. Paper Money" and Don Taxay's "Comprehensive
Catalog of United States Coins."  The stories Harry could tell!
A dealer since 1955, Harry was a fixture in the hobby for decades.
I met him a few times over the years, mostly at ANA conventions.

For many years before becoming a coin dealer Harry operated a
corner fruit stand in Philadelphia.  The story goes that one
day he was able to sell a U.S. proof set for $10, twice what
he'd paid for it.  Having discovered that the margins were
better in coins than fruit, he started dealing in coins.
Harry was in the center of all things numismatic in Philadelphia,
knowing many mint officials personally and being close with
many of the engravers including Frank Gasparro.

Would anyone care to share some stories about Harry, and his
associations with mint engravers and Don Taxay?

To read a Numismatic News article on Harry Forman, see:
Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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