A fortunate prospector from Australia struck a jackpot when his trusty metal detector led him to the precise spot where a colossal 87-ounce gold nugget lay concealed, just a mere six inches beneath the ground. This remarkable discovery unfolded in the renowned gold-rich region of Wedderburn, situated in the heart of Central Victoria.
Mick Brown, a 42-year-old resident of Kerang, Australia, possesses a remarkable treasure known as the “Fair Dinkum” nugget. While its precious metal worth amounts to approximately $102,000, Brown firmly believes that this nugget holds double the value when presented to the perfect collector.
According to his statement to The Age, he mentioned that at times, people say that a beautiful nugget of gold is valued as much as two times its actual weight in gold.
Brown expresses his certainty that his gold nugget will fetch a significant sum. “I am very confident in its value, as it possesses impressive characteristics,” he confidently states.
In the enchanting Gold Rush region of Northern California, a colossal nugget weighing 97 ounces was recently unearthed using a metal detector. Remarkably, this magnificent find was promptly sold to an undisclosed purchaser for an astounding $400,000 back in October.
Following the tradition of gold prospectors, Brown has decided to christen his precious discovery with the moniker “Fair Dinkum,” an Australian slang term signifying authenticity and genuineness. Clearly, Brown is genuinely convinced of the true worth and uniqueness of his nugget.
Brown, in an interview with The Age, shared an interesting anecdote about his incredible find. He revealed that when people witness the sheer weight of the nugget, their reaction is usually along the lines of, “Wow, this is absolutely massive!”
Interestingly enough, Brown owes his discovery to his wife’s wise advice. Feeling irritable due to his recent decision to quit smoking, he was advised by his wife to step outside and get some fresh air. Acting upon her suggestion, he embarked on a journey of 64 miles to Wedderburn, a place he had explored for gold in the past.
Brown recounted the moment his metal detector vibrantly responded to the colossal deposit of gold nestled beneath the earth’s surface. “It was an utterly mind-boggling experience, as you can surely envision,” he exclaimed, alluding to the resounding alert emitted by the device.
He didn’t have to dig too deep, just about six inches, and he could already feel the horn-like bumps of the “Fair Dinkum” nugget. With a strong grip, he pulled it out from the ground, initially mistaking it for a massive lump of copper until he realized it was actually made of pure gold. To celebrate his incredible find, he cracked open a chilled can of beer and savored the moment.
Wary of triggering a gold rush, he decided not to disclose the exact location where he discovered the nugget. However, he had no qualms about proudly displaying the magnificent “Fair Dinkum” for all to see. He couldn’t help but question the need for secrecy, jokingly asking, “Am I supposed to say, ‘Yes, I found a nugget, but sorry, you can’t take a peek’?” Sharing his discovery brought excitement and energy to everyone who witnessed it.
With the money he earned from selling the nugget, he had plans in mind for his loved ones. He intended to buy a luxurious home spa for his wife and four daughters, ensuring they would be able to relax and enjoy some well-deserved pampering.
Despite the significant amount he received from the sale, he remained driven to uncover an even more substantial nugget in the future. His ambition was fueled by the knowledge that there were colossal 10-kilo specimens out there waiting to be found.
While Brown’s “Fair Dinkum” nugget was impressive, it paled in comparison to some of the colossal finds from the Australian countryside. A few decades earlier, in 1981, the enormous 256-ounce “Pride of Australia” was unearthed not too far away in Mosquito Gully, just north of Wedderburn.