<P> Originally , the statue was a dull copper color , but shortly after 1900 a green patina , also called verdigris , caused by the oxidation of the copper skin , began to spread . As early as 1902 it was mentioned in the press ; by 1906 it had entirely covered the statue . Believing that the patina was evidence of corrosion , Congress authorized US $62,800 ( equivalent to $1,710,486 in 2017 ) for various repairs , and to paint the statue both inside and out . There was considerable public protest against the proposed exterior painting . The Army Corps of Engineers studied the patina for any ill effects to the statue and concluded that it protected the skin , `` softened the outlines of the Statue and made it beautiful . '' The statue was painted only on the inside . The Corps of Engineers also installed an elevator to take visitors from the base to the top of the pedestal . </P>
what colour was the statue of liberty when it was first given to america
dull copper