The Amazing Coin Collection of Danish Butter Magnate Lars Emil Bruun

Imagine a treasure chest filled with coins from different times and places. This treasure belongs to a Danish butter magnate named Lars Emil Bruun. His massive coin collection, with about 20,000 pieces, is about to go up for auction after waiting 100 years. Lars Bruun wanted to keep this collection safe for Denmark because he was worried about wars. Now, many people are excited to see what this collection holds and how much money it might bring in. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of Bruun’s coin collection, how it was gathered, and what makes it so special.

A Valuable Collection

The auction house, Stack’s Bowers, which is based in New York, has announced that they will start selling Bruun’s collection this fall. They estimate that the collection could be worth up to $72 million. This makes it one of the most valuable collections of coins ever to go on sale. The auction house describes it as the “most valuable collection of world coins to ever come to market.” Many people in Denmark knew about this collection, but it was never shown to the public until now.

Bruun’s Life and Passion for Coins

Lars Emil Bruun was born in 1852. He started collecting coins when he was a young boy, exploring his hobby in the 1850s and 1860s. Over time, he became wealthy by working in the butter packing and wholesaling industry. His success allowed him to buy many coins from different auctions, which led to the creation of his impressive collection.

Bruun’s collection includes coins, medals, tokens, and banknotes from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. After World War I, he became worried about future wars. This concern prompted him to make a unique decision regarding his collection in his will. He wanted to make sure that it served a purpose, even after his death.

A Unique Will

Lars Bruun’s will stated that his coin collection should be kept safe for 100 years after his death, which happened in 1923 when he was 71 years old. He wanted the collection to serve as a reserve for the Royal Coin and Medal Collection of Denmark. He hoped that by keeping it safe, it could help protect Denmark during times of war. He also noted that if the national collection remained intact after a century, it could be auctioned, and the money would go to his direct descendants.

Even though some of Bruun’s descendants tried to get their hands on the collection before the 100 years were up, they were not successful. According to Vicken Yegparian, the vice president of numismatics at Stack’s Bowers, Bruun’s will had no loopholes, and it was followed strictly.

The Collection’s Journey

Initially, Bruun’s collection was stored at Frederiksborg Castle, a former Danish royal residence. Afterward, it was moved to Denmark’s National Bank. The National Museum of Denmark had the first chance to buy part of the collection. They ended up purchasing seven rare coins from Bruun’s collection, which were all minted between the 15th and 17th centuries by Danish or Norwegian monarchs. The museum spent over $1.1 million for these coins, and a supporting association helped cover the cost.

Senior researcher Helle Horsnaes from the national museum explained that they chose coins that were unique and noted in literature as the only existing specimen of their kind. The fact that this collection has been kept secret for 100 years adds to its legendary status. As Horsnaes puts it, “It’s like a fairytale.”

The Auction: What to Expect

Now, the time has come for the auction of Lars Emil Bruun’s extensive coin collection. The auction house Stack’s Bowers is preparing for this significant event, which is expected to attract many collectors and history enthusiasts from around the world. Some coins may sell for as little as $50, while others could fetch more than $1 million. The anticipation surrounding this auction has already generated interest among potential buyers, who are eager to see a catalogue of the items.

Conclusion

Lars Emil Bruun’s coin collection is not just a group of coins; it is a piece of history. This collection tells the story of a man who wanted to preserve his treasures for future generations. It has waited 100 years to be shared with the world, and now it is finally time for it to shine. As the auction approaches, people everywhere are buzzing with excitement to see how much this amazing collection will be worth. It is a unique opportunity to witness a part of Denmark’s history and to understand the passion behind collecting. The auction of Bruun’s collection is sure to be an unforgettable event that may change the world of numismatics forever.

Table of Significant Dates and Events

Year	Event
1852	Lars Emil Bruun is born.
1923	Bruun passes away at age 71.
1923-2023	Collection stored as per Bruun’s will.
2024	Auction of the collection begins.

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