The past month has seen 32 teams battle for one of the biggest prizes in sports, the World Cup trophy. To players around the world, the trophy is seen as the premium goal to highlight any career. For Germany, winning the title is a dream come true.
However, the trophy is not just valuable based on what it represents. It is actually worth quite a bit on its own. The trophy, which depicts two human figures holding up the earth, is made out of 18 karat gold, stands 14 inches high and weighs about 10.5 pounds. It is estimated to be worth more than $170,000.
The trophy has quite an interesting history, as well. During World War II, the trophy was held by the 1938 winner, Italy. It was secretly transported from a bank in Rome and hidden in a shoe-box under a bed to prevent the Nazis from taking it.
In 1966, while on display in England, the trophy was stolen. Scotland Yard detectives were able to retrieve the trophy with the help of a little dog named Pickles. It was found wrapped in newspaper and hidden in a suburban garden! After that incident, a replica was made to use in exhibitions.
In 1970, the trophy was won for the third time by Brazil, allowing them to keep the trophy permanently. The current trophy was commissioned at this time and it is now stipulated that the winners can no longer keep the trophy but, instead, receive a bronze replica which is gold-plated. In 1983, Brazil's trophy was stolen and was never found. It is believed that the trophy was melted down by thieves.
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