Summary

Medal issued by the Midlands Numismatic Society in 1969 to commemorate the centenary of the discovery of the 'Welcome Stranger' gold nugget. The 'Welcome Stranger' was found on February 5, 1869 by Cornish miner John Deason, who was working in Bulldog Gully, near Moliagul in central Victoria. While searching about the roots of a tree he discovered, 3 cm below the surface, a gold nugget. He concealed his find until dark, then with his partner, Richard Oates, dug it out. They then held a party during which they revealed their find to the guests. The 66kg 'Welcome Stranger', then the world's largest-known gold nugget, was taken to Dunolly where it had to be broken on an anvil before it could fit on the bank's scales. It was worth 10,000 pounds - around $3-4 million in today's money. Deason returned to Moliagul and his descendants are still in the area. Oates returned to Cornwall.

Obverse Description

Building (Bristol Hill Lookout Tower) around above, 'MIDLANDS NUMISMATIC SOCIETY', below, 'FOUNDED 24-11-1967'.

Reverse Description

At centre the Welcome Stranger nugget, above, 'TO COMMEMORATE THE FINDING OF THE / WELCOME STRANGER / GOLD NUGGET / 2332 OZS.' below, 'FEB.5 1869 -1969 / FOUND AT MOLIAGUL / BY JOHN DEASON & RICHARD OATES'.

Edge Description

Plain.

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