Four solid gold casts of Nelson Mandela’s hands that were once linked with Arbitrade, were auctioned in New York City few days ago.
The collection includes two powerful fists—one is inscribed with “1964,” the year Mandela was first imprisoned; the other “1990,” the year of his release—as well as an open palm and one full hand impression set. Each piece is engraved with the legend’s signature and weigh between 77 oz. and 149 oz.
The casts were made in South Africa in 2002, and are said to be 99.99 per cent pure gold. Malcolm Duncan, who bought the casts and was a friend of the late president of South Africa, agreed in 2018 to sell them to Arbitrade Inc for $10 million.
Commenting on the collection, Arlan Ettinger, owner and co-founder of Guernsey’s said “We’re thrilled that a single buyer was able to bring all four of the gold casts together again,” He further added, “This collection is as beautiful as it is significant, and it was an honor to be part of such a historic moment.”