4.6 kg Gold Nugget Worth Over $220,000 Discovered by Amateur Gold Prospector Using Metal Detector
In March 2023, an amateur gold prospector found large gold nuggets while searching with a low budget metal detector.
The 'once-in-a-life-time' find was made in the Victoria's 'Golden Triangle' in Australia.
The nugget, which weighed 4.6kg of rock and gold, and contained 2.6kg of gold, would be worth around $224,395 with current gold prices.
It is no surprise that a large gold nugget was found in this location as it was a popular goldfield during the 1850s gold rush in the country, and has produced many large gold nugget finds. What was surprising, however, is that the gold nugget was found using a basic metal detector.
The Metal Detector Used
The unique feature about this find is that the amateur gold prospector was only using a cheap, low budget metal detector known as the Minelab Equinox 800
Getting the Nuggets Valued
The man, who did not want to give his name, took the nugget to a local gold mining store to have the nugget valued.
The store owner who evaluated the nugget said it is the biggest gold specimen he'd seen in his 43-year career.
The person discovered that the rock contained a staggering 2.6kg of gold, saying:
“He pulled this rock out of his backpack and as he dropped it in my hand he said, ‘Do you think there’s $10,000 worth in it’?”
“As soon as it hit my hand I said, ‘Try $100,000’.”
The man then told storeowner that his wife would be happy, as he had only brought in half the rock, leaving the other half at home.
“It’s one of those life-changing pieces,” the storeowner said. He also said:
“When he dropped it into my hand my jaw dropped with it.”
Current Gold Prices
Small nuggets of gold can rea $1000s, with the value of gold continuing to increase.
The store owner said:
“You see big specimens found by big companies underground … but to find it with a detector, it’s the biggest one I’ve seen.”
The person also said that gold prospecting had become increasingly popular among young people. He also said:
“If you asked me a few years ago, I would have said the average age for this hobby is 50 and over.”
He also said:
“....now we’re seeing a lot of people in their 20s and 30s doing it.”
Gold prospecting has become more popular due to its connection to nature and potential to make some money in the process.
According to the store owner, there are:
“...a lot of hobbyist weekend prospectors who like to go into the bush to switch off and enjoy the day, and if they find some gold it’s just a bonus,”.
Key Facts about the Nugget:
Name of Nugget: 'Lucky Strike'
Name of Finder: Wanted to remain anonymous
Location: Victoria's 'Golden Triangle' in Australia.
Equipment Used: Minelab Equinox 800
Date: March 2023
Weight: 2.6kg or 83 ounces (actual gold content)
Estimated Value: $224,395
Gold Price per Kilo (25 Nov. 2024):
- $86,306
- £68,644
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