In March 2017, a significant theft occurred at the Bode Museum in Berlin, where a 100-kilogram gold coin known as the “Big Maple Leaf” was stolen. This coin, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, is one of the largest gold coins in the world and valued at around €4 million at the time.
The audacious heist involved a group of thieves who gained access to the museum’s exhibits by breaking in through a window. They managed to lift the heavy coin, which is nearly the size of a pizza, and escape undetected. The theft raised concerns about security measures at public institutions housing valuable artifacts.
Authorities launched an extensive investigation but initially faced challenges in recovering the stolen coin. Over time, some of the suspects were apprehended, and parts of the stolen coin were recovered, but the complete artifact remains missing, making it a significant case in the realm of art and cultural heritage crime. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of museums in protecting their invaluable collections and sparked discussions about improving security protocols.
