Dillon Gage Metals Calculates The Iconic Oscar Statuettes Worth
Tags: Acadamy Awards, Solid Gold, Oscars, Precious Metals, Gold

Dallas based Dillon Gage, the world leader in physical precious metals, answers the hypothetical question: If the most recognized trophy in the world was solid gold what would an Oscar statuette be worth?

Image by analogicus from Pixabay

The iconic Oscar statuette was designed by Cedric Gibbons and sculpted by George Stanley in 1928. The design has not changed, though the size of the base changed in 1945, and still the same trophy awarded to winners at the Academy Awards each year. According to Oscars.org the design is, “A stylized figure of a knight holding a crusader’s sword standing on a reel of film with five spokes signifying the five original branches of the Academy (actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers). No model was used during the design process.”

Of course, the statuette is not made of solid gold, but how much would it be worth if it was? When the question is raised, the answer is frequently based on the actual weight of the statuette, however that will not add up to the correct value, since the metal that an Oscar is comprised of is far less dense than gold.

The best way to estimate the cost is to determine how much gold it takes to fill the volume of the 13.5-inch tall award. The statuettes weigh 8.5 pounds and are comprised of solid bronze and plated in 24-karat gold. Bronze is a pewter-like alloy called Britannia metal, which is 92 percent tin, 6 percent antimony and 2 percent copper.

To simplify determining the approximate value and weight of a solid gold Oscar, we will base our calculations on the cubic centimeters of 8.5 pounds of tin, since that is the statuette’s primary metal.

The weight to volume calculator shows 8.5 pounds of tin (the weight of the Oscar) = 530.70 cubic centimeters.

Next, one determines the amount of gold needed to fill 530.70 cc. One pound of 24K gold = 23.52cc. 530.70/23.52 = 22.57 pounds of gold.

Calculating mass, there are 14.5833 troy ounces for each pound of gold.

Thus, 22.57 x 14.58 = 329.07 troy ounces.

Next, multiply 329.07 troy ounces against the spot price of gold — currently $1,566.94 per ounce. Thus, a “solid gold” Oscar statuette would be worth $515,632.95! That really would be the stuff that dreams are made of!

In reality, the prized iconic gold-plated statuettes are valued around $400 each. Of course, ask anyone who has won an Oscar, and they’ll likely tell you the value to them “priceless.”

The 92nd Academy Awards can be seen Sunday, February 9, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

For more information on Dillon Gage Metals, call 800–375–4653 or go to www.dillongage.com.

About Dillon Gage Metals

Dillon Gage is the world leader in physical precious metals trading and technology serving dealers, financial institutions, banks and brokerage houses around the globe. Since 1976, Dillon Gage has led the way in innovation, advanced trading tools, technology and intellect. The firm is one of a handful of firms who are authorized purchasers of bullion (including coins, rounds and bars) for all major world mints and maintains inventory in over 20 countries. Dillon Gage’s integrated products and services include numismatics, bullion and electronic trading of precious metals and fulfillment, API integration, physical gold tracked by blockchain technology, refining and storage. The firm operates: FizTrade Online Trading, IRAConnect, Dillon Gage Refining and International Depository Services Group, a privately-owned subsidiary of Dillon Gage Metals, with locations in Delaware, Texas and Ontario. Dillon Gage’s philanthropic arm, HELPS International, provides relief, development and educational opportunities to Guatemala. Learn more about Dillon Gage at DillonGage.com.