Could A Larger Nugget Be Lurking Somewhere in Montana

Could A Larger Nugget Be Lurking Somewhere in Montana

Gold prospecting in Montana has been big business for pretty much all of our past.  The gold rush bringing miners and more to towns across the state like Virginia City, Bannak or Butte.  I mean, we are the Treasure State after all.

via GIPHY

Those treasures range from our state stone the Montana Sapphire, to agates that are plentiful in coulees and stream beds.  It also means gold, of course, and some pretty large nuggets from our mountains.

Get our free mobile app

Just Out for A Stroll Under the Big Sky of Montana and Bam!

You may assume that the record gold nugget in Montana was found back in the heyday of the business.  That assumption would be wrong in this case, however.  The largest known nugget pulled from Montana was only found in 1989.  Just 35 years ago!

READ MORE:  Is It Time to Revisit Having Chickens in Great Falls?

According to Montana Technological School, the nugget was found in 1989 in Cooley Gulch by placer miners at the Highland Gold Property owned by the Stratton family since the late 1800's.  The nugget, the largest in the state since 1908, was then sold in 1991 to Crown Butte Mines.  It was then donated for display at the college.

Just How Much Is This Large Nugget Worth from Montana?

Since the nugget was found in the Highland Mountains and also the year of the centennial celebration for statehood in Montana, the largest nugget found is aptly named the Highland Centennial Nugget.

READ MORE:  The Rumble of Hot Rods Is Coming to Great Falls in April

Weighing in at 27.5 troy ounces of pure gold, the nugget would be worth nearly $65,000 with current trends.  The nugget was donated to the Montana Tech Mineral Museum, where it is on display currently.