Japanese Jeweler Commemorates Godzilla’s 60th Anniversary With $1.5 Million Solid Gold Replica

It’s been 60 years since the world’s most beloved daikaiju (giant monster), Godzilla, first appeared on the silver screen. So, to honor the legendary “king of monsters,” Japanese fine jeweler Ginza Tanaka has created a 24-karat solid gold replica valued at $1.5 million. It officially went on sale Sunday, July 20.

Standing 9.4 inches tall and weighing a surprisingly hefty 33 pounds, the finely detailed statue is based on the Godzilla that starred in the 1989 film Godzilla vs. Biollante. Ginza Tanaka’s designers took some liberties with Godzilla’s proportions and physique, adding a bit of bulk and muscle definition, according to a press release.

Travelers to Japan can see the golden Godzilla in person. The first appearances will be at the G Haku Godzilla exhibit in Tokyo’s Shibuya until July 29, and then at the Ginza Tanaka flagship store in Ginza until August 10. From there, it will travel to Osaka for a two-week stint at a famous department store, and then continue to Ginza Tanaka stores throughout Japan.

The giant reptile, which has appeared in 28 films, currently stars in Godzilla, the 2014 retelling of the origins of the alpha predator. The movie, which may be seen in 2D or 3D, stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen and Juliette Binoche.

Ginza Tanaka is famous for its over-the-top solid gold creations. In March 2013, for example, the jeweler made news when it revealed a $5.25 million golden replica of soccer star Lionel Messi’s left foot.

The Argentine forward, who is widely considered the best soccer player in the world, was a standout during the recent FIFA World Cup. The golden left foot, which Messi called “exceptional,” weighs an astounding 55 pounds.

(Godzilla Photo: TM & ©Toho Co; Messi Photo: Ginza Tanaka)