In March 2026, one of the most important Scandinavian numismatic collections ever assembled returns to the Stack’s Bowers auction stage, this time in New York City.
On March 24–25, 2026, Stack’s Bowers Galleries will present Part IV of the legendary L. E. Bruun Collection at the Kosciuszko Foundation on East 65th Street. By that point, the ongoing dispersal of the collection will have already produced remarkable results. Across multiple live and internet auctions, nearly 5,000 lots have realized more than €32 million, buyers’ premium included.
Yet, despite those impressive totals, some of the most visually striking and technically elite coins remain.
A Focus on Top Pop Scandinavian Coins
The March 2026 sale places its emphasis squarely on Top Pop and high-grade coins spanning the full arc of Scandinavian numismatics. Collectors can expect material ranging from Viking Age pennies through the decimal coinage of the 20th century.
According to Michael Fornitz, Director of Stack’s Bowers Galleries Copenhagen, the quality of the surviving coins sets this offering apart.
“Many of the coins were obtained directly from the Royal Mints of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, or were even sourced from royal collections,” Fornitz explained. “They are unrivalled in beauty and conservation.”
As a result, the sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire coins that combine elite provenance with exceptional preservation.
Danish Colonial Coinage Takes Center Stage
Beyond Scandinavia itself, the auction also highlights important issues from Denmark’s former overseas territories. Coins from the Danish West Indies and Tranquebar, Denmark’s historic trading post on India’s eastern coast, feature prominently.
The Danish West Indies, today known as the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, were sold to the United States in 1917. Ever since, their coinage has drawn sustained interest from collectors worldwide.
“L. E. Bruun had an unsurpassed collection of coins from the former Danish colonies,” Fornitz noted. “We are delighted to introduce this fantastic selection to bidders in New York.”
Bruun’s Passion for Anglo-Scandinavian Pennies
Lars Emil Bruun’s collecting interests extended well beyond Danish issues. In particular, he pursued silver pennies of the Danish kings who ruled England in the 11th century, Cnut, Harold Harefoot, and Harthacnut.
Bruun assembled more than 1,200 different examples, selecting only the finest pieces available during his lifetime. For the March 2026 auction, Stack’s Bowers has chosen an exclusive group of these pennies, all boasting strong eye appeal and high technical grades.
Highlights from L. E. Bruun Collection, Part IV
Among the standout coins offered in New York:
- Great Britain: Penny, ND (1016–23), London Mint, Cnut, NGC MS-65
- Denmark: 1/2 Portugaloser (5 Ducats), 1653-HK, Copenhagen Mint, Frederik III, NGC MS-62
- Denmark: Piaster, 1771 (struck in 1774), Copenhagen Mint, Christian VII, NGC MS-62
- Denmark – Tranquebar (Danish India): Pagode, ND (1789), Tranquebar Mint, Christian VII, NGC MS-63
- Denmark: Frederik d’or, 1827, Altona Mint, Frederik VI, NGC MS-65
- Denmark – Danish West Indies: 20 Skilling, 1847, Copenhagen Mint, Christian VIII, NGC MS-69
- Denmark – Danish West Indies: 50 Francs / 10 Daler, 1904, Copenhagen Mint, Christian IX, NGC MS-68
- Norway: 3 Speciedaler, 1664, Christiania Mint, Frederik III, NGC AU Details
- Norway: 3 Speciedaler, 1678, Christiania Mint, Christian V, NGC AU Details
- Sweden: Penny, ND (995–1022), Sigtuna Mint, Olof Skötkonung, NGC MS-61
Together, these pieces reflect both the geographic breadth and the extraordinary quality that define the Bruun Collection.
The Manhattan Sale Follows on March 26
Immediately following the Bruun auction, Stack’s Bowers Galleries will host The Manhattan Sale, a specially curated world-coin offering scheduled for March 26, 2026. The pairing creates a full week of high-level international numismatics in New York City.
Consignments Now Being Accepted
Consignments for The Manhattan Sale are currently being accepted through January 21, 2026. The auction already includes coins from some of the finest collections, making it an attractive venue for world-coin consignors.
For additional details, visit StacksBowers.com, call 800-458-4646, or email [email protected]
