LUCIEN LOUIS BIRKLER (1940-2025)

Lucien Louis Birkler, 85, of West Haven, CT., passed away peacefully on December 22. He was born on November 24, 1940, to Lucien L. Birkler of Lugano, Switzerland and Marianne (Guarino) Birkler of New Haven. Lucien is survived by his wife, Randall Gerhing. He was the nephew of the late George Mazza and Lynn (Guarino) Mazza, Helen Guarino and Dr. Albert Dautrich and Rita Guarino and her husband Andy Ackers. Lucien was also predeceased by Christian B. Blom, III, his business partner of over 50 years and longtime friend. He would also like to recognize his confirmation Godmother Sister Joseph Agatha. He leaves behind several close relatives in Switzerland.

Lucien was a graduate of Saint John's Evangelist and Notre Dame High School in New Haven. He graduated from Providence College in 1962 and from Catholic University School of Law in 1967.

From 1959-1961 he attended the Stan Kenton Jazz Clinic held at the University of Indiana. There he gained his love for jazz music and met many renowned trumpet players.

Lucien was managing director and later owner of M and M Numismatics, in Washington D.C., a subsidiary of the Swiss Company Munzen und Medaillen.

Lucien, a prominent coin dealer, was the founder of the New York Sale in 1997, which went on to be the umbrella for M&M Numismatics and several other world class coin associates.

He also was the majority owner of the Chalet de la Paix, a prominent French/Swiss restaurant in Washington, D.C. area which received national acclaim for exquisite cuisine.

He was a lifetime member of The American Numismatic Association, American Numismatic Society, Mory's Association and the Knights of Columbus.

To read the complete articles, see:
Lucien Louis Birkler Obituary (https://www.keenanfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=46894775)
Lucien Louis Birkler 1940 - 2025 (https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nhregister/name/lucien-birkler-obituary?id=60524602)

"He was the person that bought the NYINC show from Manfra, Tordella and Brookes, by selling 100 shares at $1,000 each to raise the $100K asking price.

"I have many fond memories of Lucien, especially of a personal nature. He was always looking out for the interests of his friends and in my case, he tried a bit of matchmaking. After his successful purchase of the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC), Lucien decided to try a smaller version of the International format in Boston. Always trying to be first class, he chose the Swissôtel in Boston, probably influenced by his Swiss heritage. He held two Boston International shows in the fall of 1991 and 1992, and it was at one of these shows that he fixed me up on a blind date. It went well, but a long distance relationship was not in the cards for me or my date, whose last name was Kennedy. Yes, she was a distant relative of the Kennedy family! I always appreciated Lucien's faith in me as worthy of such a connection."

I remember Lucien from my earliest years attending ANA conventions. He always struck me as a somewhat gruff presence, but when I would come around as an ANA page and ask if I could "clean his cases," he was invariably kind and always said yes. Believe me, I remember plenty of people who were not so generous with their time or patience.

Years later, after returning to the business and eventually striking out on my own, I received a call from Lucien asking whether I would consider becoming part of the auction group The New York Sale. Even though I had little interest in participating on that side of the auction business, I was deeply honored that he thought of me in that way.

When I read his obituary, I was genuinely surprised to learn that Lucien was also a jazz musician. As a musician myself—and knowing how many coin dealers share that same creative impulse—I felt an even stronger affinity with him. From what my father has told me, Lucien truly lived life to the fullest. His final years were not easy, but that never stopped him from attending the shows, and for that I will always be grateful.

May his memory be a blessing.

To read the complete article, see:
Lucien Birkler, †2025 (https://www.sixbid.com/en/blog/lucien-birkler-%e2%80%a02025/)