Lot 1298. Very Large and Impressive Gold Nugget, Whipstick, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. Weighing approximately 24.50 ozt. (762 grams) and measuring 4 x 3 1/2 x 1in. Sold for US$ 56,250 (€50,236). Photo: Bonhams.

This palm-sized ancient nugget has smoothed surfaces which reveal its water-worn past. Desirable for its aesthetics, this specimen in that rare category of large nuggets which have survived the smelting process. Such specimens are increasingly rare in today's marketplace.  

Bonhams. AUCTION 23397: LAPIDARY WORKS OF ART, GEMSTONES, MINERALS AND NATURAL HISTORY - LOS ANGELES