Mask of Tutankhamun, Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Quite simply, the boy pharaoh’s 3,300-year-old death mask is the world’s most famous golden treasure of all.

His tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, in 1922 by Howard Carter but it was three years before the excavation team could open the sarcophagus and find the 22lb mask made of 18-23 carat gold, which has a likeness of Osiris, the Ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife.

Later this year, the mask will be transferred to the new Grand Egyptian Museum by the Pyramids and displayed in a special designated area along with many other Tutankhamun artifacts. The opening is expected to be in December.

More info: egypt.travel