A California prospector found a rare gold nugget that could be worth more than $70,000.
Oscar Espinoza, of Modesto, told Gold Prospecting Adventures he’d been searching in nearby Woodscreek when he found the t-bone steak-sized nugget, according to KPIX.
Espinoza found the 18-ounce nugget on Tuesday in Jamestown, California, which is now expecting a modern day gold rush.
Oscar Espinoza (left), of Modesto, told Gold Prospecting Adventures he’d been searching in nearby Woodscreek when he found the t-bone steak-sized nugget (right)
His friend and hotel owner, Charlie Morgan, said he believes Espinoza could get $70,000 for the nugget (pictured)
His friend and hotel owner, Charlie Morgan, told the station that he believes Espinoza could get $70,000 for it.
Espinoza is keeping a low profile but asked Morgan to keep it in a safe until he finds a buyer.
He told Morgan that he felt more secure with it being put away.
Morgan said ‘nobody knows where it is’ because he isn’t keeping it at the hotel.
Local business owner, Bryant Shock, told CBS that it was a rare find that he believes will spark collectors’ interest, and that could drive the price up four or five times higher.
‘It’s more valuable this way because it’s a piece of history and his meltdown is just another piece of gold,’ Shock told the station.
The golden nugget (pictured) is being kept by Morgan who said ‘nobody knows where it is’