Wow look at this incredible replica. This is the Gold Nugget Sculpture. It’s a breathtaking model of the Welcome gold nugget. This nugget was discovered in 1858. It was found on Bakery Hill in Ballarat Victoria.
Imagine the scene. A party of 22 Cornish miners were working deep underground. At a depth of 180 feet Richard Jeffrey struck gold. He fainted from the shock. His fellow miners thought he was dead.
The Welcome nugget was massive. Its gross weight was 2217 ounces and 16 pennyweights. That’s about 62.85 kilograms. It included quartz clay and iron oxides. The net weight of pure gold was 2195 ounces.
The Gold Nugget Sculpture is just one of 43 replicas. The Australian Museum owns these amazing pieces. They represent every Australian state except South Australia. New Zealand is also represented. Some replicas date back 135 years. These were often cast from originals or made from drawings and photos. This particular replica of the Welcome nugget was acquired in 1886.
Sadly the original Welcome nugget was sold. It was later melted down in London in 1859. This incredible sculpture allows us to appreciate its size and splendor. It measures 18 x 45 x 14 centimeters.
This Gold Nugget Sculpture reminds us of the rich history of gold discovery in Australia. The incredible wealth and the lives of those who sought it. It’s a beautiful testament to a remarkable piece of Australian history. Let’s move on.