I “won” a coin at the last Leu auction, which was stated to be “From the collection of J. Knudsen, formed from the late 1970s to the late 1990s”. I tried to search for him online but couldn’t find much beyond other references from the same sale. Assuming he is/was a famous collector/researcher, could someone please tell me more about him or, in general, point me to a print or online resource on famous collections and collectors? Thanks.
I never heard this name before, and it seems that they auctioned about 70 coins of relatively low value so I don't think it's an important collection. Why don't you ask the auctioneer about it?
Reminds me of the “Vitangelo Collection” which appears only attested to in auction listings. Why list a collection if nobody knows about it?
You can find some information on Leu's catalog. Leu had two collections in their May auction that had their own heading. Both had consecutive numbers. The 170 lots from the Knudsen collection were scattered through the auction. Leu Numismatik is pleased to present the Birger Bentsen Collection, a series of 90 gold and electrum coins from various periods of antiquity Rhakotis Collection, an impressive assemblage of 936 coins - Ptolemaic and Roman Alexandrian I agree with pprp, the Knuudsen collection is more modest than the two with their section. You might find more by contacting the seller. I have had mixed results contacting sellers.
Someone might want a bound copy of their collection when they sell for estate planning. Heirs often want a catalog to remember Mom or Dad. My kids will have to sort through lots of stuff.
J. Knudsen was a "normal" dealer in antiquities and coins from Hamburg with a tiny shop. He was mainly interested in coins from "peripheral areas" - Crusaders, early Islamic, early Chinese - these coins cost nearly nothing 20 to 40 yeras ago! 20 years ago his small collection would have gone unnoticed, as hardly any dealer or collector would have noticed the "hidden gems". Times have changed with auctions via internet!
