Letters in Appreciation


Anthony Terranova is a coin dealer in New York who counsels a number of distinguished clients. He was, in Harry's later years, a trusted agent representing him at auctions.

June 24, 1998

The American Numismatic Society
Broadway at 155th Street
New York, NY 10032

Gentlemen:

I first became aware of Harry Bass in the beginning of the 1970s. Whenever there were "good" American gold coins offered, he or his agents would show up. It could be any arena; the auction room or the bourse floor. If you were unfortunate in wanting the same coin, die variety, condition rarity, or date and mint, you were in for a very fierce fight. I will say I was very intimidated by his presence and will.

Then after a while in the business, I became fortunate, very fortunate, to become someone he would trust from time to time, with helping him acquire various things he collected. What struck me the most is the way he would accept the very rare times he did not get what he was after. It was mostly with a shrug and an "Oh well, we can't have everything" remark.

Also was his amazing, lightning fast generosity with partial of full funding for acquisitions for the American Numismatic Society library.

I consider myself very privileged to have helped him, when I could, to achieve his goals.

Very sincerely yours,


Anthony Terranova