#39: The Statue of Liberty’s Original Color

The Statue of Liberty is immediately recognized for her signature pose and iconic green color. However, she wasn’t always that color. When France first gifted Lady Liberty to the United States, she was a vibrant golden brown color. That’s because she’s made of copper. That means that the Statue of Liberty’s color was originally closer to that of a penny. 

The copper has oxidized over the decades, resulting in her signature blue-green color that we know and love today. In addition to oxidization, other chemical reactions have occurred that have changed the statue’s color. When Lady Liberty’s color first began changing, people considered getting rid of the natural patina. However, residents liked her new color and created an uproar when restoration was suggested.