Munich has unveiled what is claimed to be Europe’s most expensive Christmas tree, valued at approximately €5.3 million ($5.58 million) and composed entirely of gold coins, according to Die Zeit. Presented by Proaurum, a German company specializing in gold trading, the tree represents a significant statement in both artistry and value.
Standing nearly three meters tall, the tree consists of an acrylic pyramid upon which a total of 2,024 collector coins of the Vienna Philharmonic are meticulously arranged. Each coin is a one-ounce gold piece produced by the Austrian Mint, and together they amount to approximately 63 kilograms (138 pounds) of gold. The coins feature, on one side, the organ of the Golden Hall of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and on the other side, various musical instruments.
Adorning the top of the tree is a large gold coin, enhancing its opulence. The total gold weight exceeds 60 kilograms (132 pounds), making the tree not only a festive decoration but also a substantial investment piece.
Mirko Schmidt, the founder of Proaurum, emphasized the unique qualities of gold in a statement. “Gold has many characteristics that differentiate it from other investments. It cannot be multiplied at will. It is another form of money. The gold Christmas tree extraordinarily represents the value of this metal,” he said, as quoted by RPP Noticias.
The creation of the tree was a collaborative effort between Proaurum and the Austrian Mint. While Proaurum claims the tree is “the most expensive in Europe,” according to Vanguardia, it is not for sale. “The value depends on the respective gold price—the tree, however, is not for sale,” a spokesperson for the gold dealer said, as reported by Die Welt. Münchner Merkur added that the value of the tree fluctuates with the gold market.
The tree is available for public viewing at Proaurum’s headquarters in Munich from now until December 15. Visitors have the opportunity to witness this unique blend of festive tradition and precious metal craftsmanship.
Proaurum’s gold Christmas tree is not the first of its kind to make headlines. In 2010, an even more valuable Christmas tree was displayed at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, valued at more than eleven million dollars, according to Die Welt. This sparkling giant holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive Christmas tree in the world.
In 2019, a Christmas tree in a hotel in Marbella, Spain, was said to be worth around €14 million ($14.73 million), though its value was unconfirmed by Guinness World Records, as reported by Stern. This tree was decorated with diamonds and sapphires, among other precious stones.
The Munich tree’s unveiling highlights the ongoing tradition of extravagant Christmas displays. The use of gold coins not only showcases the precious metal’s enduring value but also reflects a fusion of cultural heritage and modern celebration.
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees has deep roots in German culture. In the 16th century, people in Germany began to decorate trees inside their homes as part of Christmas. The trees were adorned with apples, symbolizing original sin, and candles, symbolizing the light of Christ.
This German tradition spread to other countries in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, driven by migrations and royal marriages, according to Vanguardia. In England, the Christmas tree became popular in the 19th century, thanks to Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, who was of German origin.
The Munich Christmas tree represents not only a significant statement in terms of its monetary value but also highlights the enduring tradition of festive decorations during the holiday season. On the traditional Christmas markets in Munich, the decorations are somewhat more subdued.
The exhibition allows the public to witness this unique and valuable symbol of the festive season, blending the historical significance of the Christmas tree with contemporary expressions of wealth and artistry. Proaurum’s golden creation stands as a testament to both the enduring allure of gold and the timeless spirit of Christmas.
