The “Welcome Stranger”, the biggest gold nugget in the world

When people picture a gold nugget, they often imagine something modest in size. But some discoveries reveal “gold nuggets” that are more like massive stones. This was the case on February 5, 1869, when two migrants from Cornwall in the United Kingdom made an astonishing discovery in Australia: a gold nugget weighing 72 kg and measuring 61 cm in length, later named the “Welcome Stranger“.

To this day, that remains an unmatched record for a gold nugget like the “Welcome Stranger”. Although Australia is now one of the world’s top gold producers, its golden reputation is anything but new.

The Australian Gold Rush

Much like the American West, the Australian province of Victoria experienced its own gold rush during the second half of the 19th century, drawing thousands of fortune seekers.

This was the case for John Deason and Richard Oates. The two had met in Cornwall and emigrated to Australia in search of gold and a better future.

Moliagul: Center of Gold Prospecting

At the time, the small town of Moliagul was one of the hotspots for gold exploration. The population included many conscripts but few elected officials. The town was buzzing with hotels, shops, and bars.

The Spectacular Discovery

Finding the nugget turned out to be relatively simple for the two gold hunters. Although they had spent seven long years wandering the land in search of luck, their arrival in Moliagul felt like the conclusion of an epic journey. No mining was necessary to find the “Welcome Stranger” — the nugget was lying near the surface, along a slope, nestled in a block of quartz.

After considerable effort — and even breaking a pickaxe handle — they finally unearthed the gold. The nugget was then taken to the town of Dunlay to be weighed.

The Fate of the Nugget

Sadly, nothing of the nugget remains today. It was broken up to be weighed and was eventually sold by the two prospectors for £10,000.

Facts about the Welcome Stranger