#USA #Glendale #Auction #Nugget #Boot of Cortez

The Historic Auction of the Boot of Cortez

On June 12, 2026, a unique auction event is set to take place at EJ's Auction & Appraisal in Glendale, Arizona. The highlight of this auction will be none other than the Boot of Cortez, an extraordinary natural gold nugget that holds the title of the largest surviving gold nugget discovered in the Western Hemisphere.

Historical Significance

Discovered in 1989 by a determined prospector using a metal detector near Caborca, Mexico, approximately 70 miles south of the Arizona border, the Boot of Cortez has since captured the attention of both gem enthusiasts and historians alike. Weighing an impressive 383.10 troy ounces (26.2 pounds or 11.9 kilograms), this remarkable nugget stands 10 ¾ inches (27.3 cm) tall, with a width of 7 ¼ inches (18.4 cm), making it a striking piece of history.

Independent analysis conducted recently confirmed that the nugget is composed of about 98% pure gold, utilizing advanced calibration equipment and a certified scale from the state of Arizona. Its remarkable condition has allowed it to retain its original boot-like shape, further enhancing its allure.

Auction Details

The auction will commence at 1:00 PM local time on June 12 and will be accessible both online and in-person for qualified bidders. Interested participants can register to bid until June 9 at bootofcortez.com. Erik Hoyer, the CEO and owner of EJ's Auction & Appraisal, expressed excitement about showcasing such a legendary piece of gold history. “This is a rare opportunity for collectors and gold enthusiasts to own an incredible artifact that has not changed hands since it was last auctioned in January 2008,” he stated.

The Boot of Cortez is renowned not only for its size but also for its unique shape, reminiscent of a conquistador's boot. Over the years, the nugget has graced noteworthy exhibitions, including prestigious venues like the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Its previous auction in January 2008 garnered a staggering price of over $1.3 million, which was four times the market value of gold at that time.

A Legacy of Discovery

The story of the Boot of Cortez is as compelling as its physical attributes. The nugget has outshined many other mineral discoveries from the modern era and boasts a legacy that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Its discovery journey began with the efforts of a diligent prospector, and since then, it has become an emblem of achievement within the mining community.

With the auction date drawing near, enthusiasts and collectors are encouraged to explore the opportunity to own this significant piece of history. For additional information and queries about the auction, interested individuals can reach out via email at [email protected] or call 623-878-2003.

This upcoming auction not only exemplifies the rich narrative surrounding the Boot of Cortez but also invites a new generation of collectors to participate in what promises to be an unforgettable event. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness or participate in the auction of a lifetime at EJ's Auction & Appraisal.