The World’s Most Expensive Coin Collection Set for Auction After 100-Year Ban
The world’s most expensive coin collection is finally going up for auction, marking the end of a century-old prohibition on its sale. This extraordinary collection, known as the L.E. Bruun Collection, belonged to Danish butter magnate Lars Emil Bruun, who meticulously amassed it over six decades. Upon his death in 1923, Bruun’s will contained a unique directive: his extensive collection of coins, notes, and medals was to be preserved as an emergency reserve for Denmark’s national collection. The stipulation was clear—if Denmark’s national collection remained safe for 100 years, only then could Bruun’s collection be sold to benefit his descendants.
The Historical Collection and Its Auction
Nearly a year after the 100-year restriction expired, the first set of coins from Bruun’s impressive 20,000-piece collection is set to be auctioned. This highly anticipated event is being hosted by Stack’s Bowers, a leading auction house and rare coin dealer. The L.E. Bruun Collection has been insured for an astonishing 500 million Danish kroner, or about $72.5 million, making it the most valuable international coin collection ever to hit the market. Stack’s Bowers describes it as the most significant and valuable collection of world coins ever made available for auction.
A Collection Shrouded in Mystery
For the past century, the location of Bruun’s collection has been kept a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. Bruun believed that hiding his treasure was crucial after witnessing the devastation of World War I. He feared that the Royal Danish Coin and Medal Collection could face destruction through bombing or looting, prompting him to safeguard his collection for future generations.
Lars Emil Bruun: The Man Behind the Collection
Bruun’s passion for coin collecting began in 1859, after receiving coins from his uncle’s estate. Despite financial challenges in his early 20s, including a squandered family inheritance, Bruun managed to build a successful butter business. His success in business fueled his coin-collecting hobby, eventually making him a founding member of the Danish Numismatic Society in 1885. In a Danish magazine, Bruun once shared how studying coins brought him comfort and peace, helping him cope with life’s stresses.
The First Auction: A Historic Event
The first auction is scheduled for September 14 and will feature over 280 lots, including gold and silver coins from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, dating back to the late 15th century. These coins are valued at over $10 million. The star of the auction is one of Scandinavia’s oldest gold coins—a 1496 noble of King Hans, which could sell for up to €600,000 ($672,510). The overall high estimate for this initial auction round is just over €13 million ($14.6 million).
A Unique Opportunity for Collectors
Matt Orsini, director of world and ancient numismatics at Stack’s Bowers, expressed his enthusiasm for the 1496 gold noble of King Hans, calling it his favorite piece in the sale. He highlighted its significance as Denmark’s first gold coin, the first dated coin struck by the Danish kingdom, and its rarity in private hands.
In preparation for the auction, these coins have been showcased at various fairs and exhibitions and will be displayed in Copenhagen shortly before the sale. This auction not only marks the end of a 100-year wait but also promises to set a new record as the most expensive coin collection auction ever held.
