Estimated Values of Prominent Global Statuary Icons Revealed
In an intriguing study, 911 Metallurgist, a Canadian metallurgy and mineral processing consultancy, has revealed the scrap values of some of the world's most famous statues. The research aimed to determine the monetary value of these monumental locations if scrapped for parts.
The Statue of Unity in India, the world's tallest statue upon completion in 2018, emerged as the most valuable statue in the study. Weighing over 6,000 tons of steel and nearly 25,000 tons of bronze, the statue has a scrap value of approximately $192 million. If India were ever in a financial bind, this could potentially be a significant financial resource.
Interestingly, the Statue of Liberty in New York has a scrap value of less than its original construction costs of $250,000 in 1875. This iconic statue, a beacon of freedom for many, is composed primarily of copper and iron.
The Guan Yu Statue in China, on the other hand, has a scrap value of over $10 million. This 1,300-ton statue, composed of 4,000 bronze strips, is the second most valuable statue in the study.
Other notable statues in the study include the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue in Mongolia, Mandela Statue in South Africa, and Guardian of the Valleys in Wales. These statues, all made mainly of steel, have descending values based on size.
The Motherland Monument in Kiev, Ukraine, and the Lord Murugan Statue in Malaysia also featured in the study. The Motherland Monument, composed of 527 tons of steel, has a scrap value of $149,000, while the Lord Murugan Statue, using 276 tons of steel, has a scrap value of $78,000.
The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark, despite being the most visited attraction in the country with over one million visitors annually, has a scrap value of only $1,485.
Tim Newcomb, a journalist based in the Pacific Northwest, covered the study for various publications, including Popular Mechanics. Newcomb, who has conducted interviews with notable figures such as Roger Federer in Switzerland, Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, and Tinker Hatfield in Portland, provided insights into the study's findings.
David Michaud, CEO of 911 Metallurgist, stated that not many people have accurately analyzed the value of the materials used in famous statues. The study serves as a testament to the potential hidden value in these iconic structures.
Despite their tourist appeal, most of the statues researched have relatively low scrap values, suggesting that their true value lies not in their materials, but in their cultural and historical significance.
