Herbert Lewis Kreindler, an internationally renowned numismatist, died on April 25, 2026, in Burlington, Vermont. He died after a short illness. He was 91.
Kreindler built a respected career in ancient coins. In particular, he earned wide recognition for his expertise in coins of the Holy Land.
He entered the world in Manhattan in 1935. However, he grew up in Liberty, in the Catskill region of New York State. In 1957, he graduated from Carnegie Tech with a degree in engineering.
After college, Kreindler worked for Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. Soon after his marriage, he moved to Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. He lived there with his wife and family until shortly before his death.
However, in the early 1970s, Kreindler made a bold career change. He left engineering and became a full-time professional numismatist. He specialized in ancient coins.
From 1974 to 1983, he partnered with David Hendin at Amphora Coins. Afterward, he opened a successful solo practice. He remained active in the field until his retirement about two years ago.
Kreindler understood the full range of classical ancient coinage. Later, he also studied medieval bracteate coinage and Jewish medals. Still, coins of the Holy Land held his strongest interest.
In 1976, he collaborated with David Hendin on Guide to Ancient Jewish Coins. Kreindler provided the valuations for the book. In later editions, the work became Guide to Biblical Coins.
“Herb’s knowledge of the value of ancient coins in general, and especially of Biblical coins was unsurpassed,” Hendin said.
Throughout his career, Kreindler stayed committed to research. As a result, collectors, dealers, and scholars around the world respected his opinion. He also worked at times with leading numismatists, including Yaakov Meshorer of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and Leo Mildenberg of Bank Leu in Zurich.
In addition, Kreindler earned a reputation for honesty and trust. Colleagues knew him as proud, confident, and scrupulous in his commercial dealings.
He also became known in the United States as “the numismatic auctioneer.” Several premier American auction houses invited him to call hundreds of auctions. Later, in 2014, Kolbe and Fanning auctioned his exceptional numismatic library.
Kreindler held fellow status at the American Numismatic Society. He also belonged to the International Association of Professional Numismatists, the New York Numismatic Club, and the American Israel Numismatic Society.
Outside numismatics, Kreindler enjoyed cars, hunting, fine wines, and world travel. Together, he and his wife visited about 56 countries. He also stayed active as a committed golfer until very recently.
His wife of 69 years, the former Barbara Baker, survives him. Two sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren also survive him.
Herbert Lewis Kreindler leaves behind family, friends, colleagues, and collectors who admired his knowledge, integrity, and lasting contributions to numismatics.
Ira Rezak & David Hendin
