The "Welcome Stranger" is the largest gold nugget ever discovered, weighing over 173 pounds, found in Australia in 1869.
Many of the largest nuggets were discovered during the Australian Gold Rush, making the continent a treasure trove for prospectors.
The "Hand of Faith," weighing over 60 pounds, was found by a metal detector in Australia and is displayed at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas.
The "Boot of Cortez," the largest gold nugget found in the Western Hemisphere, weighs over 25 pounds and was discovered in Mexico.
Several nuggets were discovered by accident, including some by farmers and hikers, sparking excitement and amazement globally.
Modern technology like metal detectors and ground-penetrating radar has helped unearth gold nuggets in previously overlooked locations.
1. Despite their massive size, many of the largest nuggets have been melted down, leaving only a few in museums or private collections today.