The Tiara of Saitaferne: Allegedly found in Romania in 1868, this elaborate gold crown was attributed to a 4th-century BCE Scythian king. Displayed in the Louvre, it was praised for its craftsmanship. However, doubts arose over its artistic style and lack of provenance. In the 20th century, metallurgical analysis and stylistic comparisons confirmed it as a 19th-century forgery, likely made by a local goldsmith. The original discoverer, a monk, may have commissioned it to elevate local heritage. The tiara was removed from display. This hoax highlights how nationalistic fervor can incentivize forgery and how museums, even prestigious ones, can be deceived without rigorous provenance checks.
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