Medals most valuable in history

The eight tons of gold, silver and copper unearthed from mines in Mongolia and Utah and now under guard at the Tower of London is the largest ever haul used to make Olympic medals.

“The medals arrived at the tower on July 2, and we will keep them under tight security” said Tracey Sands, spokeswoman for Historic Royal Palaces.

The 4,700 Olympic and Paralympic medals will be guarded alongside Britain’s crown jewels until they are presented on the podium.