Giant gold coin stolen from Bode Museum
March 27 2017
Picture: Toronto Star
Not an art history story this, but the theft of a giant, 100kg gold coin called the 'Big Maple Leaf' (worth about $4.5m) from the Bode Museum in Germany does make you wonder about their security. 100kg is the weight, apparently, of your average giant panda. It must have taken some effort to move. More here.
Update - apparently they used a rope ladder, and a wheelbarrow. More here.
Update II - A coin designer writes:
'Doubtless the stolen gold 'coin' will now have been melted down and recast as small and handy gold bars by the thieves. One hopes the gold will find a better use next time.'
