The Hand of Faith Nugget, unearthed on 26 September 1980 near Wedderburn, Victoria, by Kevin and Bep Hillier, stands as a legendary find in Australia’s gold history. Weighing a massive 875 troy ounces, this treasure, discovered just 30 centimetres deep with a metal detector, transformed the Hilliers’ lives overnight. At Karat.au, we’re thrilled to share such iconic tales of our nation’s mining heritage. Stick around to uncover more golden stories!
A stroke of sheer fortune transformed the lives of Kevin and Bep Hillier on 26 September 1980, when they unearthed the legendary Hand of Faith nugget in Kingower, Victoria, near Wedderburn. This extraordinary find, behind the old Kingower Primary School, turned the couple and their four children from humble dwellers in a converted bus at Bridgewater Caravan Park into overnight millionaires.
With Kevin recovering from a back operation, the pair used a Whites 6000D metal detector—purchased with a Workcover cheque—to aid his rehabilitation walks. What they stumbled upon at just 30 centimetres below the surface was nothing short of historic, a discovery that still resonates in Australia’s gold-rich heritage. Gold has been a symbol of wealth and status since ancient civilizations, and its allure continues to captivate many. Throughout history, gold has been intricately linked to economic systems, influencing trade and culture across the globe. The Australian gold market plays a significant role in the global economy, showcasing the enduring significance of gold mining.
The Hand of Faith, weighing a staggering 875 troy ounces or roughly 27.21 kilograms, measured 47 by 20 by 9 centimetres and was found resting vertically in the earth. Initially, Kevin thought the detector was malfunctioning due to the overpowering signal, but as the couple dug together, they revealed the colossal nugget.
It remains the largest gold nugget ever found using a metal detector, the second largest discovered in Australia since the 1930s at the time, and ranks among the top three existing nuggets globally. This find didn’t just change the Hilliers’ lives; it reignited fervor for prospecting in the Victorian Goldfields, reminding all of the untapped treasures beneath our soil. The discovery of such significant nuggets has historical roots in the California Gold Rush, which spurred global interest in gold mining.
Announced at a Melbourne press conference on 8 October 1980, with Premier Dick Hamer in attendance, the nugget’s initial weight was misreported as 720 ounces before being corrected to 874.82, rounded to 875. Hidden under the family’s bed in their bus at first, the Hand of Faith was later sold in 1981 through Kovac’s Gems & Minerals to the Golden Nugget Casino chain for over US$1 million.
Today, it captivates visitors on display at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas, with replicas showcased at other locations like Laughlin and Atlantic City. Its current value, based on gold weight alone, is estimated at around US$3.5 million as of recent years, a reflection of gold’s enduring worth.
The discovery site in Kingower State Forest remains a drawcard for prospectors, with a monument erected by the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria in 2010, later bearing a plaque in memory of Kevin Hillier.
Bep Hillier even penned an eBook recounting their journey, a story of luck, faith, and family transformation. At Karat.au, we’re inspired by such tales that weave into Australia’s mining legacy, sharing them with clarity and passion.
Gold’s allure, as seen in the Hilliers’ find, is timeless, and we’re here to guide enthusiasts through its complexities—without offering financial advice—ensuring transparency and trust. Let’s celebrate these golden moments, mistakes an’ all, as part of our nation’s proud history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Current Value of the Hand of Faith Nugget?
The current value of the Hand of Faith Nugget, a remarkable Australian treasure, is estimated at around $3.5 million USD as of September 2024, according to official sources.
This figure surpasses its melt value of over $3 million, reflecting its historical significance, rarity, and unique appeal.
Owned by Golden Nugget Casinos, its worth fluctuates with gold prices, yet its legacy endures.
Karat.au proudly celebrates this iconic find!
Where Is the Hand of Faith Nugget Displayed Today?
The Hand of Faith Nugget, a remarkable piece of Australian gold history, is displayed today at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Housed in a wall display case near the hotel lobby, it has been a public attraction since 1981.
Located in Downtown Las Vegas on the Fremont Street Experience, this iconic nugget remains free to view for visitors, showcasing Australia’s rich mining legacy.
Who Owns the Hand of Faith Nugget Now?
The Hand of Faith Nugget, a remarkable piece of Australian gold history, is currently owned by Golden Nugget Casinos.
Acquired in 1981 for over US$1 million, it remains under their stewardship, showcased as a prized attraction. This ownership reflects their commitment to preserving such treasures, cementing the nugget’s legacy.
Karat.au proudly celebrates this icon of our mining heritage, ensuring factual clarity for all gold enthusiasts.
(Oops, sorry for any typo!)
How Was the Hand of Faith Nugget Preserved?
The Hand of Faith nugget’s preservation is a proof of careful handling.
After discovery, it was cleaned gently by its finders using toothbrushes.
Never melted down, unlike many historical nuggets, it remains intact as a fine-quality specimen, protected naturally by quartz and iron.
Today, it’s securely displayed at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas, rotating in a cabinet, enchanting visitors and preserving Australia’s golden legacy for all to see.
What Inspired the Name Hand of Faith?
The name “Hand of Faith” for the iconic gold nugget draws from its striking hand-like shape, resembling fingers reaching skyward, and the profound beliefs of its finders, Kevin and Bep Hillier.
Their deep Catholic faith, paired with a dream foretelling the discovery, led them to see it as divine providence.
This blend of physical form and spiritual meaning crafted a name steeped in awe and reverence.
