Nevada, renowned as one of the largest gold sources globally, holds a pivotal role in the gold industry. In 2015, the state achieved a remarkable feat, producing nearly 5,340,000 troy ounces of gold with a staggering value of $6.194 billion. A significant portion of this production, 78 percent to be precise, contributes to the overall gold output of the United States, and on a global scale, Nevada represents 5.4 percent of the world’s total gold production.
The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, situated in downtown Las Vegas at 129 E. Fremont Street, proudly houses a captivating symbol of Nevada’s gold legacy—the Hand of Faith, the world’s largest gold nugget.
Discovery of the Hand of Faith:
Contrary to the conventional narrative of gold discoveries by seasoned prospectors during historical gold rushes, the Hand of Faith took a different route to fame. In 1980, this extraordinary nugget was unearthed not by a mining company or a seasoned prospector but by an ordinary individual with an uncommon “toy.”
Kevin Hillier, an unassuming resident of Wedderburn, Australia, stumbled upon the Hand of Faith on September 16, 1980, behind the old Kingower school in central Victoria. Armed with a metal detector, Hillier’s remarkable find defied the odds and traditional expectations associated with gold discoveries.
He sold the nugget (appropriately enough) to the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino for more than $1 million.
The Stroke of Luck:
The Hand of Faith stands as a testament to the unpredictability of gold discoveries and the allure of pursuing one’s interests. Kevin Hillier’s unassuming exploration with a metal detector in 1980 not only added a unique chapter to the history of gold discoveries but also secured a place for Nevada in the annals of gold production. Today, this colossal golden nugget captivates visitors at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, reminding them of the extraordinary possibilities that lie beneath the Earth’s surface.
