Rare 1961 Dom Pérignon Fails to Fetch Bids at Danish Auction

A magnum of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961 champagne, produced specifically for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981, did not find a buyer at a recent auction in Denmark. The event, organized by the Danish auction house Bruun Rasmussen, took place on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

The champagne, which holds significant historical value due to its association with the royal couple, was expected to draw considerable interest from collectors and enthusiasts. However, despite these expectations, the bidding failed to meet the reserve price set for the bottle.

This particular bottle of Dom Pérignon is not only notable for its vintage but also for its connection to one of the most famous royal weddings in history. The wedding of Charles and Diana, which took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, captivated millions and has remained a topic of public intrigue for decades.

The auction drew attention as it included other valuable items, but the unsold champagne reflects the unpredictable nature of the auction market, particularly for specialty items. Collectors often weigh their bids based on both the historical significance and the perceived value of such items.

In the world of luxury goods, items associated with high-profile figures like Charles and Diana can command high prices. However, the failure to sell this magnum highlights that not all sought-after memorabilia garners the expected interest at auction.

Bruun Rasmussen has not disclosed the reserve price for the champagne, leaving potential buyers and industry observers curious about the market dynamics affecting sales of luxury items. The auction house remains a prominent player in the Danish auction scene, known for handling unique and valuable items.

As collectors reflect on what this outcome means for similar items in the future, the unsold magnum of Dom Pérignon serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in valuing memorabilia tied to historical events and figures.