A lucky gold hunter recently stumbled upon a remarkable discovery in the Ballarat area of south-west Victoria. Going by the name of Bill M, this prospector unearthed a hefty gold nugget weighing approximately 50 grams. The value of this precious find is estimated at a whopping $4,000. Bill M, who prefers to keep the exact location a mystery, delightedly shared a photo of his stunning discovery with fellow members of the Australian Facebook group, Detecting Downunder. With its irresistible allure, this gorgeous nugget serves as a testament to the hidden treasures that lie beneath the earth’s surface.
Bill M, a prospector, made a remarkable discovery in the Ballarat area of south-west Victoria – a 50g nugget of gold. The nugget was found on private property and is believed to have come directly from a main gold reef, indicating a valuable find. Excitement arose within the community of treasure hunters when news of the discovery spread. Curiosity about the worth of such a sizeable nugget was expressed by one user, to which the group administrator responded, stating that at the current price of gold ($82 per gram), it could be valued at approximately $4,000. This sparked a mix of humorous and awe-struck comments from other members, with one jokingly expressing regret about not burying their own treasure deeper. Overall, the find was widely recognized as an impressive and lucrative one.
It has been a year since a prospector discovered a two-kilogram nugget in the Ballarat region. This recent find is said to be the largest nugget in decades, according to Mark Day, a supplier of prospecting gear from Gold Ballarat. With 25 years of experience in the business, Day was astonished by the size of the nugget and urged the man, who regularly purchases from him, to bring it in for him to witness. The man, visibly shaken, had been unsure about what to do with the nugget and had not slept for three days. Offers of $160,000 were reportedly made by potential buyers for the valuable find. One of Australia’s most significant gold discoveries, known as the Welcome Stranger, dates back to February 5, 1869.
The Gold Museum in Ballarat proudly showcases the extraordinary Welcome Home nugget. This magnificent piece of gold is not just any ordinary nugget, it holds the title of being the largest ever found in Australia. It was uncovered by two fortunate prospectors, John Deason and Richard Oates, in the quaint town of Moliagul in Victoria. To provide some perspective on its colossal size, this nugget weighed an astounding 72 kilograms and measured a staggering 60 centimeters in length. The value of their discovery was equally awe-inspiring, earning the two prospectors an impressive sum of £9,381 at the time.
Fast forward to 9th June 1858, a group of 22 miners at the Red Hill Mining Company’s site in Bakery Hill, Ballarat stumbled upon another remarkable nugget named The Welcome. This nugget, measuring an impressive 53 centimeters in length, weighed an astounding 68.2 kilograms. Its value was deemed so exceptional that it was sold for a staggering £10,500. The journey of The Welcome did not stop there, as it ended up being exhibited in the renowned Crystal Palace in London. Eventually, it found its way to the prestigious Royal Mint in 1859.
These two extraordinary discoveries serve as a testament to the vast amounts of gold hidden within the heart of Australia. The Welcome Home nugget and The Welcome nugget are not just pieces of gold but are symbols of the remarkable history and importance of gold mining in Ballarat and Victoria. By showcasing these precious nuggets, the Gold Museum in Ballarat allows visitors to appreciate the grandeur and significance of these remarkable finds.
On September 26, 1980, a remarkable discovery was made in the charming town of Kingower, located in the beautiful Shire of Loddon, Victoria. Kevin Hillier, equipped with a trusty metal detector, stumbled upon a remarkable treasure known as “The Hand of Faith.” Resting just a mere 30cm below the earth’s surface, this nugget amazed everyone with its sheer size and beauty.
Weighing an astonishing 27.2kg and measuring an impressive 45cm in length, The Hand of Faith quickly gained fame as the largest nugget ever found through the use of a metal detector. Its uniqueness and rarity caught the attention of the Golden Nugget casino in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, where it found a new home and continues to captivate visitors to this day.
The Hand of Faith stands as a testament to the wonders that can be unearthed with a little bit of luck and the right tools. Its stunning presence serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await those who explore the depths of our world, and it continues to be a cherished treasure in the heart of Las Vegas.
1995 – The Magnificent Normandy Golden Discovery
Unearthed amidst the tranquil creek beds of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, the extraordinary nugget that goes by the name “Normandy” holds the prestigious title of being the second-largest gold nugget in existence. Boasting an astonishing weight of 25.5kg and an impressive length of 27cm, this magnificent find continues to captivate hearts around the globe. Presently in the careful custody of the esteemed Newmont Mining Corporation, the gleaming treasure finds its temporary abode within the enchanting halls of the Perth Mint museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the spellbinding world of gold.
On the pleasant day of 18th December 1906, a remarkable event took place aboard The Poseidon. This esteemed vessel was named in honor of the victorious Melbourne Cup racehorse of that year. This delightful occasion unfolded in the gold mining settlement of Tarnagulla, nestled in the picturesque region of Victoria. It was on this eventful day that a nugget of unparalleled grandeur was unearthed, tipping the scales at an astonishing weight of 29.6 kilograms.
This tremendous discovery left an indelible mark on the local landscape. In recognition of the numerous subsequent finds of glittering gold nuggets within its confines, the once-humble territory came to be known as Poseidon Lead. This was a testament to the undeniable allure and prosperity that shrouded this extraordinary site, forever preserved in the annals of history.
