The second part of the famous L.E. Bruun Collection, one of the most valuable coin collections in history, will be auctioned from March 13 to 16, 2025, in Zürich, Switzerland. Organized by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, this auction will take place at the Hotel Baur au Lac. This auction follows the first part, which was held in Copenhagen on September 14, 2024, and set a record in Scandinavia, fetching €14.82 million (approximately $16.5 million U.S.) for 286 lots. The upcoming auction, Part II, is expected to broaden the geographical reach and include a wider spectrum of coins, featuring Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish items alongside coins from the Danish duchies of Schleswig-Holstein.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Auction Dates | March 13 to 16, 2025 |
| Location | Hotel Baur au Lac, Zürich, Switzerland |
| Auction House | Stack’s Bowers Galleries |
| Previous Auction | September 14, 2024 |
| Total Sales from Part I | €14,820,900 (approx. $16.5 million U.S.) |
| Number of Lots in Part II | Approximately 700 items |
| Estimated Value of Part II | €5 million to €7 million ($5.4 million to $7.6 million U.S.) |
| Price Range of Coins | €1,000 ($1,086 U.S.) to hundreds of thousands of euros |
| Notable Coin Categories | Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Schleswig-Holstein coins |
| Historical Context | Coins from the Viking period to the 19th century |
| Special Feature | Greater diversity of price points compared to Part I |
| Online Auctions Start | Early 2025 |
| Collection Background | Accumulated by Lars Emil Bruun, a wealthy butter magnate |
| Collection Value | Insured for 500 million Danish kroner (approx. $72.5 million U.S.) |
History of the L.E. Bruun Collection
The Bruun Collection, amassed by Danish businessman Lars Emil Bruun, is renowned for its unparalleled scope and value. L.E. Bruun, a wealthy butter mogul, accumulated his fortune through real estate investments, which enabled him to curate one of the most extensive private collections of Scandinavian coins, medals, and paper money. Before Bruun passed away in 1923, he left behind what is now believed to be the most significant private collection of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish currency.
For almost a century, Bruun’s collection was kept as a backup in case the Royal Danish Coin and Medal Collection was damaged. His heirs, now permitted to sell the collection, have contracted Stack’s Bowers Galleries to handle the auction of this historic treasure. The collection, insured for approximately $72.5 million U.S., will be auctioned off in parts over the next three to five years, with online-only auctions set to begin in early 2025.
Key Highlights from the Upcoming Auction (March 2025)
The upcoming auction of Part II will offer approximately 700 items, with a broader range of price points compared to Part I. The coins in this auction will range in value from €1,000 ($1,086 U.S.) to hundreds of thousands of euros, making it accessible to collectors with different budgets. While Part I had an average item price above €10,000 ($10,856 U.S.), Part II’s estimated aggregate total ranges from €5 million to €7 million ($5.4 million to $7.6 million U.S.).
A significant feature of Part II is the inclusion of rare coins from the Danish duchies of Schleswig-Holstein, an area that was under Danish rule until 1864. The auction will also feature coins from the Viking period through the 19th century, offering a glimpse into the monetary history of the region.
A Chance for All Collectors
Michael Fornitz, Director of Stack’s Bowers Galleries Denmark, expressed excitement about the upcoming auction, particularly because the broader price range will allow more collectors to participate. He emphasized that Part I, with its higher price points, left many collectors on the sidelines. However, the greater lot count and wider variety of coins in Part II will provide opportunities for all collectors to acquire a piece of Bruun’s numismatic legacy.
What Makes the Bruun Collection So Special?
The Bruun Collection is unmatched in its depth, with coins representing centuries of Scandinavian history. Its uniqueness comes from the historical context of the coins and the meticulous nature of Bruun’s collecting habits. He focused not just on the most valuable coins but also on rarities that have shaped the monetary history of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries noted that when the final coin from the Bruun Collection is sold, it will become the most valuable collection of international coins ever to have been auctioned. The live auctions will be accompanied by online sales of more modestly valued coins, further democratizing access to this iconic collection.
The Legacy of Lars Emil Bruun
L.E. Bruun’s wealth came primarily from his involvement in the Danish butter industry, a sector he helped revolutionize. His keen interest in numismatics led him to build a collection that few could rival. Today, this collection not only represents immense monetary value but also serves as a historical record of Scandinavian economic life.
As the Bruun Collection comes to market, collectors have the rare opportunity to own pieces that were previously hidden from public view for a century. With both high-end and more affordable items available, the upcoming auction is sure to draw attention from numismatists worldwide.
More Auctions to Follow
Part II is only the second in a series of auctions that will take place over the next few years. Stack’s Bowers Galleries has announced that online-only auctions featuring more modestly valued coins will begin in early 2025, providing even more opportunities for collectors.
For those who are unable to attend in person, the auction house will offer online bidding through their platform. With the Bruun Collection representing such an extensive range of numismatic history, this series of auctions is expected to set new records in the world of coin collecting.
How to Participate
Coin collectors interested in participating in the auction can visit Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ official website for more details. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to numismatics, the second part of the L.E. Bruun Collection auction promises to offer something for everyone.
FAQs
1. What is the L.E. Bruun Collection?
The L.E. Bruun Collection is one of the most extensive and valuable collections of Scandinavian coins, amassed by Lars Emil Bruun, a wealthy Danish butter magnate. It includes coins from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Danish duchies of Schleswig-Holstein.
2. When is the next auction for the Bruun Collection?
The second part of the L.E. Bruun Collection will be auctioned from March 13 to 16, 2025, at the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zürich, Switzerland.
3. How much did the first part of the auction earn?
The first part of the auction, held on September 14, 2024, raised €14,820,900 (approximately $16.5 million U.S.), making it a record for a single numismatic auction in Scandinavia.
4. What types of coins will be available in Part II?
Part II will feature approximately 700 items, including coins from the Viking period through the 19th century, with a focus on Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish coins, as well as items from Schleswig-Holstein.
5. What is the estimated value range for Part II?
The estimated total value for the second part of the auction is between €5 million and €7 million ($5.4 million to $7.6 million U.S.).