Lot 1328
Monumental Natural Gold Nugget Weighing 78.39 Ounces. One of the largest gold nuggets ever found and known as the "Smooth Rider". This massive gold nugget has been exhibited at various coin conventions and always draws a crowd. The story alone is worth telling again and again.
On Harlan White's letterhead as follows:
June 7, 1995
To Whom It May Concern:
I have sold this day to The Money Company of Tarzana, California a natural gold nugget weighing 78.39 ounces.
There was in Australia a lucky Irishman, who was known as Big Nolan. Nolan, who was barely a man, was coming home on a lonely road near Canadian Gully in the Victoria Province of Australia on February 26, 1939 when he ran off the road.
Since he wasn't completely sober, it took him a while to dig out his tires, which were partially buried in some rocks and sand. Using a tire iron, he not only freed the tires but also discovered this 78.39 ounce nugget about 8 inches down. Big Nolan took his time getting back on the road, being careful not to get stuck again. His ride back to town was so much better he called the nugget "Smooth Rider."
This nugget was kept in the family until quite recently, when it was brought from Australia to the United States for sale.
Harlan White. Estimate Value $100,000 - UP
Including the above mentioned letter.
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| Realized $108,100 |
