The Guinness World Record holder for the biggest piggy bank: Fort Knox
When it comes to piggy banks, most people think of a cute little ceramic or plastic pig that can hold a few coins. However, the biggest piggy bank in the world is far from being small and cute. The holder of the Guinness World Record for the biggest piggy bank is none other than Fort Knox, the United States Bullion Depository located in Kentucky.
The size and value of Fort Knox
Fort Knox is not just any piggy bank. It is an ultra-secure facility that houses a vast amount of gold reserves on behalf of the US government. To give you an idea of the size and value of the piggy bank, it covers an area of 109,000 acres and reportedly resembles a small city. The facility is heavily guarded, with multiple layers of security to prevent any unauthorized access.
The history of Fort Knox
Fort Knox was built in 1935 and used to store gold bullion that backed up US currency until 1971 when President Nixon suspended the gold standard. Today, it stores not only gold but also silver, platinum, and palladium owned by the US government, as well as other countries and international organizations. The exact amount of precious metals stored is kept secret, but estimates put it at over $300 billion.
The significance of Fort Knox
The importance of Fort Knox extends beyond being the biggest piggy bank in the world. It serves as a symbol of the US’s economic strength and stability. The facility acts as a deterrent against any country or organization that might consider attacking US currency or destabilizing the global economy. Additionally, it is a source of pride for Americans, who see it as a testament to the country’s wealth and security.
Visiting Fort Knox
Unfortunately, Fort Knox is not open to the public, and visiting it is strictly prohibited. The closest you can get to the facility is by visiting the adjacent Patton Museum of Leadership. However, if you are interested in seeing other giant piggy banks, you can visit the world’s largest coin-shaped piggy bank in Japan or the largest glass piggy bank in Germany, both of which are open to the public.
