Hidden Danish Coin Collection to Hit Auction
For over a century, a vast collection of coins, paper bank notes, medals, and books has remained hidden from the public eye in Denmark. The collection, assembled by Danish butter mogul Lars Emil Bruun, is set to be sold at auction in a series spanning three to five years.
Bruun’s decision to keep his collection secret was rooted in patriotism. He wanted to protect the collection as a reserve for the Danish national collection in case of destruction, following his experiences in the Prusso-Danish War and World War I.
The collection, valued at $72 million, is the most expensive coin collection ever offered for sale. It features a wide range of Scandinavian coins dating back to the 15th century, providing a glimpse into the region’s tumultuous history.
Highlights of the collection include:
- King Hans Gold Noble: A rare and valuable coin from 1496, estimated to be worth between $333,000 and $662,000.
- Christian II’s Silver Gulden: A silver coin used by King Christian II to pay foreign mercenaries in the 16th century.
- Danish Ducat with Hebrew Inscription: A coin minted during the Torstenson War, featuring a Hebrew inscription in hopes of divine favor.
- Swedish Pomerania Coin: A coin depicting a bucolic scene of a harvested field, symbolizing the peace that followed the Torstenson War.
- Danish Ducats with Ships: Coins from the 1660s and 1700s featuring ships, representing Denmark’s maritime exploits.
The auction series will be conducted by Stack’s Bowers, a renowned auction house. Henrik Holt Christensen, the auction house’s senior director of consignments, expressed his admiration for the collection’s diversity and quality.
Lars Emil Bruun began collecting coins in the early 20th century, inheriting a modest collection from his uncle. As his business grew, so did his passion for collecting coins. He found collecting to be a soothing distraction from his busy life, even though he disliked butter, the product that made him wealthy.
The sale of Bruun’s collection is a rare opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts to acquire pieces of Scandinavian numismatic history. The proceeds from the auction will benefit Bruun’s heirs.
