Alan E Cohen Retiring

Another of the good guy's is calling it quits.

Too bad. I haven't dealt with him in a long time, but I recall meeting him back in 1985 at a show, and I think, at the time, he was working for Steve Ivy Auctions. I was pretty new to the stamp collecting scene, and I recall distinctly, him telling me that I should be buying better stamps at auction, and not so much retail, from dealers. Of course, that was a sales pitch at the time, but it actually did register with me, and made me start paying attention to auctions - which proved to be a good thing for me. I wish him well.

Alan all the best.

I bought several stamps from Alan, and I also consigned with him. He was highly knowledgeable and one of the most trustworthy dealers I ever worked with. I will miss him.

Best to you, Alan.

Alan is one of the most knowledgeable experts on classic United States stamps. I hope he will stay involved in the hobby in some way (if that is what he wants to do, of course). One of my "go-to" dealers for my collection; he will be missed. Alan, enjoy your retirement!!!!!

My contact with Alan initially was with Rupp Brothers. Subsequently I had dealings with Alan in his solo entity. I would second the opinions already registered by others about the quality of his professionalism, business ethics etc. frankly I would have said the same thing about Chris Rupp. I never quite understood why they separated.

I have always felt that both Alan and Chris post the introduction of grading were operating a little bit like fish out of water: classically trained philatelists with appreciation and offering quality classic stamps, properly identified and appropriately certified but now forced, by economic circumstances and realities, to offer common graded stamps and with the sense that their heart wasn't really in it.

For those of us who received the Rupp fliers in the late 1980's and very early 1990's when you would have a full page of unused certified classics and compare that to the current unused section of either Rupp or Cohen's on line offerings there is a marked difference with maybe 5-10 unused classics pre Scott #200. To me, dealers of Rupp and Cohen's caliber were meant to deal the classics and not the bloated graded common 20th century stamps printed in the multimillions.

Just one man's opinion.

Wow that brings back memories. I recall anxiously awaiting the next flier, and trying not to drool all over it when it came (and they were mostly if not exclusively black and white).

I bought some of my nicest single stamps ever from them back then.

Although this topic is about Alan I have to jump in for Christopher (he detests Chris) Rupp. Such integrity and such a pleasure to deal with and converse with. I met him years ago while building my US collection and he ended up disposing of the entire collection for me. A gentleman of impeccable honesty who would come to my house to visit and talk stamps and other things. An interesting man and a humble man IMO. He taught me so much and made me laugh along the way. He taught me much about selecting material and talked me OUT of spending money with him more than once. When he knew that I would be bidding at Siegel or somewhere else he would tell me to send him the lot list I was looking at and he would send me back a detailed list of advice, thoughts and bid limits. I love the guy. Hope he stays in the game a long time because when he goes there will be a giant hole in philately.