The Legendary Medal of Honour from the Battle of Copenhagen up for Auction

221 years ago this month, Frederik VI personally bestowed Captain Arenfeldt with a distinguished gold medal after the Battle of Copenhagen. This legendary medal of honour is today a true gem in Danish maritime history and will be sold at auction at Bruun Rasmussen on 26 April in Copenhagen.

The six-hour-long and violent naval battle between the Danish and British fleets, which has gone down in history as the "Battle of Copenhagen", took place in the harbour of Copenhagen in April 1801. Despite the Danish defeat, Captain Jacob Arenfeldt was honoured for his courage with a distinguished gold medal presented by the Crown Prince, the later Frederik VI, in person. This fabled medal of honour is now up for auction together with Cornelius Høyer's miniature portrait of the captain, which will be sold at the year’s first Live Coin Auction in Bredgade on 26 April with an estimate of DKK 200,000.

"It is not uncommon to feel the broad sweep of history when you stand with an old coin or medal in your hand and think about who else might have held it in times gone by. But in this case, where you know that both Frederik VI and one of the heroes from one of the most famous naval battles in Danish history have actually held it in their hands, the sweep increases to a gale," says Michael Fornitz, Chief Numismatist at Bruun Ramussen.

Rare Treasure from One of the Most Famous Battles in Danish History

Captain Arenfeldt's heroic efforts at the Battle of Copenhagen were, despite the defeat of the Danish navy, rewarded with the battle's most prestigious medal of honour, which from its beautiful inscription is often described as “Modet værger” (Courage Protects). The golden medal was awarded in 80 examples, but due to a state bankruptcy lurking on the horizon, most of the medals were quickly melted down, which is why the present medal belongs among the great rarities of today.

At the auction, the historical treasure is accompanied by a small work of art in the form of a miniature portrait of Jacob Arenfeldt in uniform. The miniature was created by one of the country's foremost miniature painters, Cornelius Høyer, and has been described as the most profound depiction of a person with the finest empathy for the human nature.

The Danish Defeat at the Battle of Copenhagen

Denmark's international status of power had been significantly reduced in European politics after the wars with Sweden, and Denmark was therefore trying to stay out of international conflicts at this time. After the French Revolutionary Wars had drawn large parts of Europe into war, Denmark still tried to remain neutral. However, when Great Britain found out that Denmark had agreed upon an armed neutrality treaty with Prussia, Sweden and Russia, they immediately put a fleet in the water and headed for Denmark on 2 April 1801.

Because Denmark had remained out of any major conflicts for the previous 80 years, the country was not prepared for an attack of this size. But with a looming war, Denmark had to defend the capital against the British attack on Copenhagen’s roadstead. Captain Jacob Arenfeldt was in command of the ship-of-the-line Holsten in the fight against the British fleet of ships, which in every way was a superior opponent with its 1058 cannons against the Danes' 630. It was therefore not a surprise that Denmark was defeated, and the country's fleet destroyed – eventually forcing Denmark to give up its neutrality and join Napoleon. The battle with the British became what we today known as the "Battle of Copenhagen".

More About the Auction

The medal of honour for the Battle of Copenhagen, “Modet værger” (Courage Protects), is in gold and from 1801. It is estimated at DKK 200,000. Read more about the medal HERE.

The auction presents 378 historical coins, medals and paper money, which among other things include 10 gold medals with the Oldenburg royal line, estimated at a price of DKK 1 million. Find all the coins, medals and paper money at the auction HERE.

The Live Coin Auction will take place on Tuesday 26 April at 10 am at Bredgade 33, Copenhagen. View the time and place for the preview HERE.