The world’s largest known gold nugget, “The Hand of Faith,” was discovered on September 26th, 1980, by a local prospector named Kevin Hillier.
Finding the Gold Nugget
Unearthing the nugget from only 6 inches below the surface in a field located in Wedderburn, Victoria, Australia, Hillier managed to stumble upon his treasure using a Whites 6000D metal detector. Being a relatively inexperienced hobbyist up to this point, Hillier nearly missed out on this golden opportunity. According to Kevin himself, he almost chose not even to bother to begin to dig up his findings, presuming that his new metal detector was malfunctioning and producing astronomically inaccurate feedback. Fortunately for him and the precious metals industry, Kevin persisted in removing the enormous nugget of pure gold from the ground.
The Gold Nugget’s Size
The nugget is 47 centimeters long (about 18.5 inches) and weighs 875 troy ounces (27.21 kilograms or approximately 60 pounds). Aesthetically, the nugget has a natural, irregular shape and is roughly shaped like a hand, which led to its name. It has a slightly flattened form with visible nooks and crannies typical of alluvial gold nuggets. The nugget is made of solid gold with very little mineral impurities. It is estimated to be 99% fine gold, making it one of the purest and most valuable gold nuggets ever found.
Where is it Now?
Speaking of value, it goes without saying that Kevin Hillier quite literally “struck gold” as he and his struggling family became millionaires in the blink of an eye. In 1981, shortly after discovering The Hand of Faith, Hillier sold the world’s largest gold nugget for an astounding $1m to Golden Nugget Inc., who promptly put the marvel on display inside their Downtown Las Vegas located casino.
Given the rise in the price of gold since that time, it is estimated that based on the weight of the gold, the current value of the nugget is north of $3m. However, that valuation is based solely on the content of the precious metal; its historical and collectible significance would undoubtedly draw a much higher price from any potential buyers.
The Mystery behind the Gold Nugget
There is some fun conspiracy surrounding that display at the Golden Nugget Casino, however, as it pertains to the validity of whether or not it’s the original nugget. Employees, tourists, and experts alike have expressed some uncertainty, claiming that it is more likely than not a replica or knockoff. The controversy makes sense when considering that other locations – Biloxi, Mississippi, and Laughlin, Nevada – boast displays of The Hand of Faith. And up until last year, a 4th location attracted visitors with their display at the Golden Nugget location in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Where is the real nugget of gold? Has it always lived in Las Vegas? Has it been moved elsewhere? Does it get shuffled between multiple locations in an attempt to thwart a potential heist? Is the real thing even on display at all, or hidden quietly away with only the valid owner’s knowledge as to where? We’ll likely never truly know, but that only adds to the excitement and mystique of visiting one of the various sites where visitors can take pictures with The Hand of Faith, the largest gold nugget in the world.
