Rare gold nugget gifted to southern Indiana Salvation Army to be auctioned soon

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A rare gold nugget donated to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign in New Albany in December is expected to fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

Bidding opens for the 2025 April 23 Nature & Science Signature® Auction #8208 on April 2 and closes on April 23.

The 15.5 troy ounce nugget had a market value of nearly $42,000 when it was received, but the price of gold has risen substantially since then.

Heritage Auctions is handling the sale, according to a news release.

Because of the nugget's unique form and place of origin -- Australia -- it is expected to bring a much higher price at auction than the market value for the 15.52 troy ounces of gold it contains.

"Nuggets of this size are inherently rare," Craig Kissick, Vice President of Nature & Science for Heritage Auctions, said in a news release in December. "Due to their scarcity, examples such as this, and especially of this quality, can often be expected to achieve a premium in value well beyond the mere value of the gold content."

Captain Kory Strand with The Salvation Army said the money will be put to good use by helping people in need.

"This gold nugget was certainly a wonderful surprise this past Christmas season," Strand said. "Now that it is headed for auction, we are excitedly anticipating what it could bring in. As needs continue for so many, we are honored to walk through life with the people in our communities who need support. The money raised will help us as we provide hope in the way of food, rent and utility assistance, childcare, and Christmas gifts for those in need throughout Southern Indiana."

CLICK HERE to view images of the nugget and read more about its origin.

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