Eyewitnesses recalled the event with a mixture of awe and disbelief. The gold, packed in sealed containers, was transported under heavy guard across the border. Iranian officials, accompanied by military personnel and government representatives, received the cargo with solemn ceremony. Journalists reported the details with a mix of national pride and cautious optimism, capturing images of the crates being unloaded and inspected.
The symbolism was potent: for many Iranians, the moment marked not only the return of stolen wealth but also a partial restoration of dignity. It served as a reminder that Iran, though often subject to the whims of great powers, could still compel recognition of its rights—however delayed or incomplete.
V. How Much Is 11 Tons of Gold Worth?
In 1955, the price of gold was fixed under the Bretton Woods system at approximately $35 per ounce. At that rate, 11 tons (or about 354,000 troy ounces) would amount to just over $12 million—a considerable sum for the time. But beyond its monetary value, the gold represented a political victory. It was a tacit admission by the Soviets of the damage their wartime occupation had caused, and an effort—however limited—to heal old wounds.