The "Welcome" Nugget, 1858. Creator: Unknown. The "Welcome" Nugget, 1858. Creator: Unknown

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The "Welcome" Nugget, 1858. Creator: Unknown. The "Welcome" Nugget, 1858. Creator: Unknown

The "Welcome" Nugget, 1858....this huge nugget, stated to be the largest piece of virgin gold ever discovered...Mr. Haywood, Receiver and Paymaster at the Sub-Treasury, Ballarat, forwarded the sketch from which the accompanying Engraving was taken. [It] was found...at Bakery Hill, Ballarat, [Australia] about 190 feet below the surface, and is a very splendid specimen of almost pure gold. The dimensions are as follow:-Greatest length, 17 inches; breadth, 11 inches; and thickness, 7 inches...the value...[is] about £10, 000...It bears upon its sides the marks of several hard blows from the pick...How many more such glittering treasures lie waiting for the pick of the plodding old ground-miner nobody can say; but that many similar masses have yet to be unearthed it is fair to presume...Considerable excitement of a pleasurable kind followed the announcement of the discovery in the papers, and, when the valuable mass was taken to the Bank and Treasury, large crowds were in attendance to catch a glimpse of the Welcome'...The huge lump was forthwith removed to the Exchange, and exhibited to the public, at an entrance fee of one shilling'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858

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Media ID 36376408

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Gold Mining Mining Valuable Gold Nugget Nugget

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph print showcases the legendary "Welcome Nugget," discovered in Ballarat, Australia in 1858. The exact creator of this image remains unknown, but it was originally sketched by Mr. Haywood, the Receiver and Paymaster at the Sub-Treasury in Ballarat. The nugget, believed to be the largest piece of pure gold ever found, was unearthed approximately 190 feet below the surface at Bakery Hill. Measuring 17 inches in length, 11 inches in breadth, and 7 inches in thickness, the "Welcome Nugget" was estimated to be worth around £10,000. The nugget's rough exterior bore the marks of several hard pick strikes, a testament to the arduous mining process. With the discovery of such a valuable treasure, excitement spread throughout the community. Throngs of people gathered at the Bank and Treasury to catch a glimpse of the legendary nugget, paying an entrance fee of one shilling for the privilege. The nugget was then moved to the Exchange for public viewing. The discovery of the "Welcome Nugget" not only brought joy and wonder to the people of Ballarat but also fueled their determination to continue the search for more hidden treasures beneath the earth. Its discovery serves as a reminder of the rich history of gold mining in Australia and the allure of the unknown that lies beneath the surface.

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