In 1998, prospector Barry Clay unearthed the impressive Alaska Centennial Gold Nugget, weighing a whopping 21lbs, making it the second largest ever found in the Western Hemisphere. Now, after 23 years, this precious piece is up for sale in Dallas, TX for a cool $1 million at Hermitage Auctions. Alongside several other valuable items, this massive gold nugget is surely a sight to behold and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any avid collector.
He stumbled upon the amazing discovery a century after the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush when he was moving dirt with his bulldozer near the Swift Creek Mine in Alaska. This unique find, known as the ‘Alaska Centennial’, was hidden under an Alaskan tree by Clay when he realized its value. After seeking advice from experts, it was confirmed as the second largest gold nugget ever found in the Western Hemisphere and the biggest in Alaska. This nugget, just slightly smaller than the ‘Boot of Cortez’ nugget discovered in Mexico in 1989, weighs 24lbs. The current owner, who purchased it from Clay more than 20 years ago, is now selling it through Heritage Auctions in Dallas along with other valuable pieces.
Back in 1998, gold miner Barry Clay struck it rich when he discovered the Alaska Centennial Nugget on Swift Creek. This massive nugget, measuring 6.75 inches by 5.75 inches and weighing a whopping 21 pounds, is renowned as the largest gold nugget ever found in Alaska, second only to the ‘Boot of Cortez’ nugget unearthed in Mexico.
Craig Kissick, the nature and science director at Heritage Auctions, and Joe Maddalena, the Executive Vice President, were proudly displaying a magnificent gold nugget that will be part of an auction featuring gold, gems, and other precious items on December 8. The nugget, held by Maddalena in the picture, was found by prospector Barry Clay in Swift Creek, Alaska in 1998. This incredible discovery took place a century after the famous 1896 Klondike Gold Rush, which is why it is named the ‘Alaska Centennial’ nugget. Clay stumbled upon the nugget while moving dirt with his bulldozer along the shores of the Swift Creek Mine. The interest in mining in the region began in 1896, when Skookum Jim Mason discovered gold near the Klondike River in the Yukon region of Northwestern Canada.
The Alaska Centennial Gold Nugget, the star attraction of an upcoming auction in Dallas, Texas, is anticipated to fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars on December 8. These gold nuggets are formed when erosion separates them from the original rock, carried by water, and deposited with other sediments. It is a rare find, with only a few weighing over 15lbs, as most mined gold is processed. The Alaska Centennial Nugget is one of the largest known examples of this rare type. Discovered in 1998 by Barry Clay in Swift Creek near Ruby, Alaska, this nugget made history as the biggest ever found in the state.
The Alaska Centennial Nugget has found its way into the hands of a private collector who has held onto it until now, presenting a unique opportunity for buyers. This iconic gold nugget is just a highlight of the impressive collection of precious crystals, artifacts, and even “gold geysers” up for auction at Heritage in Dallas.
Among the notable items are two native gold crystals from the Venezuelan jungle expected to sell for between $300,000 and $600,000 each. Additionally, a stunning “frozen geyser of gold” from the Eagle’s Nest mine in California is valued at nearly $200,000, while a crystallized gold leaf believed to be from Mexico carries a price tag of $150,000.
Established in 1976 by two rare coin enthusiasts, Heritage Auctions is a leading auction house in the United States, offering a wide range of items from precious metals and artifacts to rare comic books and sports memorabilia. The upcoming auction on December 8 was previewed on YouTube by Craig Kissick, the director of nature and science at Heritage Auctions, and Joe Maddalena, the Executive Vice President.
Kissick expressed his belief that the Alaska Centennial Nugget is so significant that it should be housed in the Smithsonian Institution as the most remarkable gold nugget ever discovered.
A stunning ‘frozen geyser of gold’ discovered at the Eagle’s Nest mine in California, USA, has been appraised at nearly $200,000, according to a picture shared by Hermitage Auctions.
In addition, there are also two rare native gold crystals that were found in the Venezuelan jungle back in the 1980s. Both are expected to be sold for a whopping $300,000 (on the left) and $600,000 (on the right).
This unique piece of crystallized gold leaf, believed to be from Mexico, is worth $150,000 and will be up for auction on December 8 in Dallas, Texas with Hermitage Auctions. Kissick mentioned that most gold mined is refined, making a one-ounce gold nugget even rarer than a five-carat diamond. A collection of gold specimens like this has never been seen at auction before, making it a significant find. Its size and beauty will surely attract bidders, especially considering it is the most significant piece ever found in Alaska. This one-of-a-kind collection is unlikely to be seen again, adding to its value and allure.
