The Pride of The British Royal Family: The Gold State Coach

Chances are that if you're from the United States you've never heard of the Gold State Coach. If that's you, prepared to be blown away! 

The Gold State Coach is an enclosed, eight horse-drawn carriage used by the British Royal Family. Commissioned in 1760 for £7,562($1.5Billion today).

"Oh wow, a really old, really expensive carriage. What's so great about it?"

We are glad you asked, dear reader. 

The carriage is made of four tons - or 128,000 ounces - of gold, worth almost pounds 28.5m at today's price.

"Designed by architect Sir William Chambers, it was built in 1762 for George III, needs a team of eight horses and is festooned with carvings of dolphins, mermaids and cherubs. Paintings by Florentine artist Giovanni Cipriani decorate its sides and four gold tritons - half-man, half-fish - represent Britain's seafaring heritage." 

Since 1762, it has been used at the coronations of George IV, William IV, Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, George VI and, of course, Elizabeth II.

This carriage is truly a modern marvel. If the Royal Family ever wants to sell your Gold State Coach, please give us a call!

Sources: Wikipedia, The Free Library