Holborn Assets

It’s the most recognisable prize in sport, and most people assume it’s solid gold.

It isn’t.

The World Cup trophy is hollow, and the gold it does contain is 18-carat, about £370,000 worth at today’s prices.

Five years ago, that gold was worth less than half as much.

Even the striking green base isn’t what it seems: it’s malachite, a decorative stone worth a tiny fraction of the gold above it.

The value’s in the metal, and the metal hasn’t changed.

Its price has.