Copa America trophy: All the details about the trophy's worth, history and photos

Club football is on a break, and football players, fans, and sports commentators are currently highly focused on international games. One of the crucial events is Copa America, which features CONMEBOL and CONCACAF nations. The Copa America trophy is one of the most coveted football prizes given to the tournament's winner.

The trophy is a reward for the competition winner and the embodiment of footballing excellence on the continent. This article examines the details of the Copa America trophy, including its worth, history, and various notable photos.

History of the Copa America trophy

The Copa America trophy boasts a rich history that began in 1916. Designed and crafted by Escasanay Jewellers in Buenos Aires, Argentina's Ministry of Affairs reportedly purchased it for 3000 Swiss Francs.

This cup was donated to CONMEBOL in 1916 for the South American Championship and later renamed the Copa América. Uruguay was the first country to lift it.

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The trophy has seen modifications throughout the years, including adding wooden components for the winners' badges. In 1979, a wooden base was included to accommodate a second row of champions' badges, and in 1995, a third step was added. Since 2004, various replicas of the trophy have been awarded.

The trophy's design and weight

The original trophy was 29.5 inches tall and weighed 19.75 pounds. Its design embodied an undying theme and an elegant style borrowed from a Grecian urn.

The silver-made stuff has a hollow and dark part. The wooden base has also added merit by showing the winning teams' names on the metal plates, thus telling us a long story of the tournament.

How much is the trophy worth?

In 1916, it cost 3000 Swiss Francs to acquire. Due to its unique nature and historical importance, the exact monetary value of the trophy remains unknown. It is estimated to be worth several hundred thousand dollars.

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The 2016 gold Copa America trophy

In 2016, to mark the tournament's 100th anniversary, a special edition gold trophy was introduced for the Centenario, held in the United States. US-based Epico Studios designed the new cup in 89 days, while British silversmith Thomas Lyte spent 98 days crafting it.

The design drew inspiration from the existing trophy, maintaining the classic urn-style shape. However, the centenary award is made from gold, contrasting with the original cup's silver construction.

The unique trophy, crafted from a metal base with a sterling silver inner finish, is plated in 24k gold. It stands 61cm tall and weighs around 7.1 kilograms. The trophy constitutes traditional silversmith techniques such as hand spinning, chasing, and forging.

The exterior features an engraving of the tournament's emblem and the words "Copa America" and "Centenario – USA 2016" on the front. The back has a map of North, Central, and South America, along with the Caribbean, and includes the centenary dates (1916 – 2016).

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The top is adorned with the logos of CONMEBOL and CONCACAF. The base is also plated in 24k gold and displays the names of the participating nations.

Will the Gold trophy get used again?

The special edition gold title, created to commemorate the centenary of the Copa America, was a unique creation in the tournament's 100-year history and was only contested once, per Thomaslyte. After the 2016 Copa America Centenario, the competition reverted to the original one.

The 2024 Copa America trophy

In December 2023, the confederation revealed that the trophy had been restored and refreshed for the 48th edition of the world's oldest national team tournament. The 2024 tournament will take place in the United States. Alejandro Domínguez, President of CONMEBOL, told the official website,

"Since I took over the presidency of CONMEBOL, one of the goals I set was to preserve and enhance the roots of South American football. This year, we are restoring this iconic trophy, which weighs more than 11.85 kilograms and has been part of some of our region's greatest sporting feats.

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Trivia

Copa America is the world's oldest international football tournament and ranks as the third most watched in the world. The competition features South American nations and guest teams from other continents, enhancing its global appeal. Here are more facts about the event.

What is the trophy made of?

The original trophy is made of silver, while the 2016 centenary award was made of gold.

Who has won the most Copa Americas?

Uruguay is the national team with the most titles, tied with Argentina, which has won the tournament 15 times.

Is Copa America an international trophy?

It is an international trophy. It is the oldest international continental football competition, and the national teams of South America compete in it.

Why was the 2016 Copa America trophy gold?

It was gold in colour to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tournament.

How many Copa America has Chile won?

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Chile has won twice. The Copa America in 2015 and Copa América Centenario in 2016.

Final word

The Copa America trophy is more than just a piece of silverware. It also symbolises national pride, footballing excellence, and historical significance. With such intrinsic quality, detailed composition, and the past that it carries, the trophy has remained one of the most sought-after prizes within the football milieu worldwide.

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South American fans are some of the most passionate football fans globally, and some of the best South American football clubs have produced the greatest players in the world. Click the above link to read more!