Born at Higham Hill, Walthamstow, Essex County, England. He emigrated to the U. S. in 1853. He was married to Louise Webb. They had eight children including George W. Cogan. Employed as a picture dealer in Philadelphia.

Cogan began in the coin business in Philadelphia in 1856. He conducted an auction of cents in 1858. The 77 lots realized $128.63. The sale was conducted through the mail, but a catalog was not printed until some time after the sale. He issued store cards in 1859 and 1860. Moved to Brooklyn, New York, in March 1867. He conducted 69 auction sales 1858 to 1879. The Mortimer MacKenzie catalogue for the sale of June 23, 1869 was the first American auction catalogue with photographic plates. Published Table of Gold, Silver and Copper Coins, Not Issued by the United States Mint. He died in Brooklyn.

Cogan is called "the father of U. S. coin collecting" or alternately "the father of the coin trade in America." He was made an honorary member of the ANS.

bio: Adams I; Attinelli; CW/NM 5/5/76; NUM/NIN 9/94; profile: CW 1/11/2010; obit: AJN 19 Jul 1884 page 23 photo: NUM 16 Oct 1903 page 301; The E-Sylum 9/5/2021