The (insured) value of the World Cup

What’s the estimated replacement cost value of the 18-carat-gold World Cup soccer championship trophy?
About CD$85,400, not including design and labor costs, according to Lloyd’s of London broker Heath Lambert, a specialist in sports insurance.
Charles Meaden, director of Heath Lambert’s sports, leisure and entertainment division, says this assumes “the trophy would probably be insured for its replacement value, rather than its value to a collector.”
In a posting on Lloyd’s Web site, FIFA press spokesman Andreas Herren says: “Like every part of the tournament, the insurance for the trophy is important and it is covered. However the cost of the trophy is really immeasurable.”
Designed by Italian Silvio Gazzaniga, the trophy is 36 cm high and made of solid 18-carat gold weighing 4,970 grams. The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite, including 17 plaques for holding the names of the winning teams. There are enough plaques to list tournament winners until 2038.
Lest anyone think FIFA is wasting its money on insuring the prize, consider this: since the current version of the trophy was first awarded to soccer champions in 1974, the cup has been stolen twice. It was stolen once in Brazil and once in England, where it was famously found by a dog named Pickles.
FIFA will not comment on the specifics of its insurance coverage, but Daniel Smith, director with broker Aon’s specie and fine art division, says: “Lloyd’s and London remain the home of these specialist risks.”
According to Smith, the insurance for the World Cup, like many other global sporting trophies, is complex because its value could far exceed the simple replacement cost.
“While the cost of a replacement for the trophy can be insured, an additional sum may be insured that is offered as a reward for its safe return and the conviction of those who had taken it”