L. E. Bruun Auction Realizes over $16.5 Million

The first auction offering coins from the L. E. Bruun Collection, held on Sept.14th in Copenhagen, Denmark had record-breaking success. When the last of the 286 lots crossed the block, €14,820,900 (over $16.5 million U.S.) in Scandinavian coins had been sold to collectors and dealers worldwide. (All prices include the buyer’s fee.)

Leading this event was the extremely rare Danish 1496 King Hans Gold Noble graded NGC AU-55 which doubled its pre-sale estimate, selling for €1.2 million, a new world record for any Scandinavian coin at auction. Unique in private hands, the King Hans Gold Noble is the crown jewel of Scandinavian numismatics, being one of the oldest Scandinavian gold coins, the first gold coin struck by Denmark, and one of the most beautiful Gothic coins produced in Scandinavia.

“The L. E. Bruun Part I auction was truly a landmark event for the world coin market,” stated Stack's Bowers Galleries President Brian Kendrella. “The auction took place in front of a live crowd of over 250 excited bidders and attracted Internet participation that was extraordinary.” He continued: “The quantity and enthusiasm of the bidders, combined with the incredible quality of the material, led to over eight hours of heated competition, numerous rounds of applause, dozens of record prices, the first Scandinavian coin to cross the €1,000,000 mark, and prices realized totaling nearly €15,000,000.”

Additional significant coins from Denmark included the 1623 Gluckstadt 10 Ducats graded NGC AU-53, which nearly doubled its presale estimate soaring to €504,000. The undated (1668-69) 10 Ducats of Frederik III also doubled its presale estimate as heated competition powered the bidding to €444,000.

The superb selection of rarities from Norway was led by the €432,000 realized by the (1661) 2 Speciedaler, graded NGC AU-58 that is also believed to be unique in private hands. The 1660-FG Ducat graded NGC AU Details exceeded expectations at €384,000, while the 1644 PG 4 Speciedaler graded NGC AU Details went to a new home at €228,000.

Swedish coins saw heavy bidding across the board with the 1657 Karl X Gustav Ducat in NGC-64 realizing €85,000, and the undated (1633-34) Riksdaler of Axel Oxenstierna in NGC MS-63 more than doubling its presale estimate at €80,000. The 1838 Karl XIV Johan 4 Ducats from the Stockholm Mint in NGC MS-64 went through the roof at €55,000, nearly four times the presale estimate.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be continuing its auction presentations of the L. E. Bruun Collection for several years, with the next installment in spring 2025. For more information on future events visit stacksbowers.com or contact the firm by email at info@stacksbowers.com.