Since antiquity, gold has been the most coveted precious metal. In fact, several civilizations have associated the yellow metal with wealth and nobility. Today, it remains a safe-haven asset, whether in private or economic spheres. Many objects are made with gold, but some are stranger and will leave you speechless. Another rather unusual story about gold also recently took place, which we will tell you about now.
Solid gold toilets
It is in New York that the first gold toilets can be seen. Indeed, the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art museums, will host the new work by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. This sculpture, entitled America, takes the form of a toilet bowl and is considered one of the most expensive. The reason is that this work of art is made entirely of 18-carat solid gold.
Although works of art are meant to be contemplated, this one can be used by visitors. Indeed, this solid gold toilet bowl is installed in real restrooms, and visitors can relieve themselves there at will. According to people who have tried this extraordinary bowl, the opinions are unanimous: “this work is never as beautiful as when one is using it, sparkling, breathtaking, shimmering.” However, this gold toilet is well guarded by security guards to avoid any possible incident. In addition, the cleaning staff comes by every fifteen minutes to ensure the cleanliness of this work of art.
Accused of theft by hiding it in his anus
The Royal Canadian Mint was the scene of an incredible story. Indeed, an employee of this establishment is accused of having stolen gold blanks estimated at $180,000. The most surprising aspect is the way this employee went about it, because according to investigators, Leston Lawrence allegedly hid the gold blanks one by one in his anus. It was the employee’s banker who reported him to his employer. For a year and a half Leston Lawrence had been making $7,000 check deposits written by a gold-buying company. The banker wondered how the 35-year-old could have access to such an amount and conducted a small investigation. It was by discovering his client’s workplace that the banker made the connection and reported him to his employer.
At the trial, investigators explained that the thirty-year-old could not leave the establishment with these gold blanks in his pocket or in a bag without going through the metal detector. However, the prosecutor justified the hypothesis that the employee had slipped the blanks into his anus. As evidence, a jar of petroleum jelly was found in the accused’s locker. Now, we are awaiting the verdict, which was reserved until next November 9. In total, the gold blanks stolen by this employee are estimated at $179,015.