Obverse: The obverse features the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right and wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. Inscriptions: ELIZABETH II, AUSTRALIA, 4 DOLLARS, IRB. This portrait was created by artist Ian Rank-Broadley and has been used on Australian coins since 1998.
Reverse: The reverse depicts a gold nugget, symbolizing Australia's gold history and industry. Inscriptions: THE AUSTRALIAN NUGGET, 1/25 OZ. 9999 GOLD, 2005, P. The gold nuggets were first introduced as part of the Australian Nugget series design in 1986.
About the coin: The 2005 1/25 oz Australian Nugget gold coin was issued as a commemorative coin to honor Australia's gold industry and highlight the importance of gold in the country's economy. The coin is made of 9999 fine gold and weighs 1.244 g. Its diameter is 13.92 mm and thickness is 1.5 mm. It was issued as part of the Australian Nugget series, with the fourth portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a diadem as the main design element. This series is highly popular among investors and collectors, as it reflects the history and achievements of the Australian gold industry.
About Welcome Stranger – the largest gold nugget ever found
The design and name of the coin are inspired by the famous Welcome Stranger – the largest naturally occurring gold nugget ever discovered in the world. This extraordinary find was made on 5 February 1869 in the town of Moliagul, Victoria, Australia. Cornish miners John Deason and Richard Oates found the nugget just 2.5 cm below the surface – it weighed an incredible 72.5 kg or 2332 ounces. Because of its size, it could not be weighed on bank scales and had to be broken apart with the help of a blacksmith.
Although no photographs were taken at the time, only sketches drawn from memory, Welcome Stranger became a legend and a symbol of the perseverance and success of gold prospectors. Today, a monument stands at the discovery site in Moliagul, with a walking trail and an educational display, while the Dunolly Museum holds extensive materials on this historic event.
The coin not only commemorates this exceptional gold find but also becomes a remarkable collectible piece that connects numismatics, history, and investment value.
