After being locked away for a century, the legendary 20,000-piece coin collection of Danish butter magnate Lars Emil Bruun has finally gone up for auction in Copenhagen. The first batch of 286 rare coins sold for an impressive $16.5 million, with a 1496 gold coin smashing records at $1.34 million. The historic sale marks the beginning of what is set to be the most expensive international coin collection auction ever.

An exceptionally rare gold coin from 1496 smashed estimates to fetch a record 1.2 million euros (.34 million) at auction on Tuesday. Stack’s Bowers Galleries
An exceptionally rare gold coin from 1496 smashed estimates to fetch a record 1.2 million euros ($1.34 million) at auction on Tuesday. Stack’s Bowers Galleries

Key Points:

  • Bruun’s Collection Unveiled: Lars Emil Bruun’s vast collection of 20,000 coins, notes, and medals was hidden for 100 years as a safeguard against potential national destruction. The first auction saw 286 lots sell for €14.82 million ($16.5 million).
  • Record-Breaking Sale: A 1496 gold coin, one of Scandinavia’s oldest, sold for a staggering €1.2 million ($1.34 million), setting a new world record for a Scandinavian coin at auction.
  • A Lifetime of Collecting: Bruun began collecting coins in 1859 and amassed his collection over six decades, building it from his success in the butter industry after overcoming family debts.
  • Noble Purpose: The collection was intended as an emergency reserve for Denmark’s national treasures, with Bruun’s will allowing its sale only after 100 years if the country’s collections remained intact.
  • Historical Significance: The coins date back to the 15th century and include rare Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish coins, with pieces like the gold noble of King Hans from 1496 drawing immense interest.
A 17th-century Norwegian coin, commemorating King Frederik, sold for 432,000 euros (1,000). On its reverse is a rendering of Akershus Castle in Oslo overlooking the sea. Stack’s Bowers Galleries
A 17th-century Norwegian coin, commemorating King Frederik, sold for 432,000 euros ($481,000). On its reverse is a rendering of Akershus Castle in Oslo overlooking the sea. Stack’s Bowers Galleries

The ongoing auction of Lars Emil Bruun’s coin collection has already set records and captivated collectors worldwide. With more pieces still to be auctioned, the sale is on track to become the most valuable coin collection sale in history.