Well, she has lost her head twice, poor thing! The first time was in the 70's I believe and the last time was a couple of years ago. The first head was never recovered ( a well known artist, Jens J?rgen Thorsen hinted that he had done the deed, but he is the type to say that just for the publicity )the second was recovered and stuck back on.
An interesting detail here, there is a company (can't remember the name right now, old age, sorry
) that owns the copyright to The Little Mermaid; no-one is allowed to portray her on " objects for sale" as she actually is. Any such objects have to deviate from the actual sculpture in some way.. head turned in the opposite direction, tail turned downwards etc.
Actually, if you are ever coming to Copenhagen, have her as your last sight-to-see; she is so teeny weeny and visitors are
always disappointed.