2,400-Year-Old Golden Helmet Stolen in Explosive Dutch Museum Heist

Thieves used explosives to steal the ancient Romanian artifact, raising fears it may be melted for gold.

The Cotofenesti helmet, a 2,400-year-old artifact from the ancient Dacia civilization, was stolen from the Drents Museum in the Netherlands early Saturday morning.
Thieves used explosives to breach the museum's doors, making off with the helmet and three golden bracelets in a matter of minutes.
Romanian officials, who loaned the artifacts for a six-month exhibit, have expressed outrage, calling the theft a 'crime against our state' and demanding urgent recovery efforts.
Experts fear the helmet, considered unsellable due to its fame, may be melted down for its gold, significantly reducing its cultural and historical value.
Dutch and international authorities, including Interpol, are investigating the heist, with limited leads beyond grainy security footage and a burned-out getaway car found nearby.