Unearthed in 1869, ‘welcome stranger’ nugget continues to amaze with its value today

In the realm of gold mining, where the thrill of the hunt often outweighs the rewards, a remarkable discovery in 1869 by miners John Deason and Richard Oats stands out. The duo struck gold, quite literally, unearthing the largest nugget ever found, weighing a staggering 72 kilograms (11 stone) and measuring an impressive 61 cm (24 inches) in length. This colossal nugget, dubbed ‘Welcome Stranger’, was discovered in Australia, nestled in the roots of a tree, and became an instant symbol of fortune.

The value of this remarkable find was not lost on Deason and Oats, who promptly took their treasure to the town of Dunolly. There, at a London Chartered Bank, the nugget was weighed and exchanged for just under $10,000, a considerable sum at the time. In today’s money, the nugget is estimated to be worth a jaw-dropping $2 million, a testament to the enduring allure of gold.

While the ‘Welcome Stranger’ nugget remains a legendary find, it is not the only one to capture the imagination of gold enthusiasts. In 1980, Kevin Hillier made a discovery in Kingower, Victoria, that would also go down in history. Using a basic metal detector, Hillier uncovered the ‘Hand of Faith’, weighing an impressive 875 troy ounces (27kg) of gold. This remarkable find is now a prized exhibit at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas, showcasing the enduring allure of gold.

Even today, gold continues to captivate, as seen in a recent encounter involving social media star Logan Paul. Attempting to cash in on the precious metal’s value, Paul sought to sell a 24-carat gold bottle. Despite offers reaching $25,000, Paul held out, eventually asking for $700,000, but to no avail.

These stories serve as reminders of the enduring allure of gold, a metal that has captivated hearts and minds for centuries, with each new discovery adding to its timeless appeal.