Leu Numismatik Sponsors the New Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer Fellowship in Winterthur
Leu Numismatik announces that the company is the official sponsor of the newly established Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer Fellowship at the Coin Cabinet in Winterthur. As a company based in Winterthur, Leu is deeply committed to preserving the city’s cultural heritage while actively fostering the connection between numismatic research and the commercial sphere.
Since the 19th century, Winterthur has been a hub of numismatic excellence – thanks in no small part to Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer (1838–1920), one of the most influential numismatists of his time and founder of the Winterthur Coin Cabinet. His pioneering work was carried on by esteemed successors such as Adolf Engeli, Heinz Haffter, Hansjörg Bloesch, Hans-Markus von Kaenel, Benedikt Zäch, and, today, Gunnar Dumke.
Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer.
Over a century after Imhoof-Blumer’s death, a new fellowship is founded to carry forward his legacy. Together with Alfred Sulzer, Leu Numismatik is proud to support the new Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer Fellowship, which will be awarded for the first time in 2025.
Benedikt Zach and Gunnar Dumke, the retired and the current director of the Coin Cabinet in Winterthur.
Endowed with 3,000 CHF, the fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers working on a concrete numismatic project – whether a master’s thesis, doctoral dissertation, or scholarly article. It provides for a four-week research residency at the Winterthur Coin Cabinet – one of Switzerland’s most prestigious numismatic institutions, renowned for its internationally significant collection and outstanding reference library.
The Coin Cabinet (Villa Bühler) in Winterthur.
Leu’s Commitment to Scholarship and Local Engagement
As a Winterthur-based firm with a global reach, Leu Numismatik places great value on supporting foundational academic research. Numismatics thrives on the dialogue between scholarship and the marketplace, and the team at Leu sees itself as an active participant in both realms.This fellowship reflects their firm belief that academic depth and numismatic trade mutually enrich one another.
By supporting this fellowship, Leu aims not only to nurture emerging talent but also to reestablish Winterthur as a vibrant center of numismatics – both in research and in commerce. The team at Leu especially welcomes personal engagement with fellows during their stay.
Encouraging Young Scholars – Apply Now!
Application deadline: 30 June 2025
Award announcement: 15 July 2025
Fellowship period: Between 1 August-31 October 2025
Required application material: CV, project proposal (2-3 pages)
Please submit your application via email to: gunnar.dumke@win.ch
