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Weighing 26.2 pounds, the “Boot of Cortez” is the largest natural gold nugget ever discovered in the Western Hemisphere.
Glendale, ArizonaMay 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EJ’s Auction & Appraisal has been selected to auction the historically significant “Boot of Cortez” gold nugget. The auction is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. local time in Arizona. Qualified bidders may participate online or in person at EJ’s Auction & Appraisal in Glendale, Arizona. Registration for bidding is now open.
The “Boot of Cortez” is recognized as the largest natural gold nugget ever discovered in the Western Hemisphere. EJ’s Auction & Appraisal independently weighed and analyzed the specimen in April 2026 using calibrated modern equipment. The measurements were verified by a third-party scale certified by the State of Arizona. The specimen also underwent third-party X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing, which confirmed its gold content to be approximately 98%.
Some of its unique characteristics include:
- A gold nugget shaped like a conquistador’s boot
- 383.10 troy ounces, equivalent to 26.2 pounds (11.9 kilograms)
- 10¾ inches (27.3 cm) tall, 7¼ inches (18.4 cm) wide
- 98% pure gold
- Excellent condition, preserved in its original state
In 1989, a prospector discovered the “Boot of Cortez” near Caborca, Sonora, Mexico, while searching for gold using a metal detector purchased from a Radio Shack electronics store. The location is approximately 70 miles south of the Arizona border and about 60 miles east of the Sea of Cortez.
The “Boot of Cortez” quickly became one of the most renowned mineral discoveries in modern history. It has been exhibited at several top-tier institutions and events, including the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
In January 2008, this treasure sold at auction for over $1.3 million, four times the spot price of gold at the time. For nearly two decades, it has been part of a private collection held by a well-known collector.
Erik Hoyer, CEO and owner of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal, stated that ownership of the “Boot of Cortez” has not changed since the buyer acquired it at auction in January 2008.
The exceptionally rare and historically significant ‘Boot of Cortez’ gold nugget will be auctioned on June 12 at EJ’s Auction & Appraisal in Glendale, Arizona. It is the largest natural gold nugget ever discovered in the Western Hemisphere. Bidders can register by June 9 at bootofcortez.com. Photo credit – Jeff Noble/jeffnoblepictures.com
Garrett Hoyer and his father Erik Hoyer pose with the ‘Boot of Cortez,’ the largest natural gold nugget ever discovered in the Western Hemisphere. Erik Hoyer is the CEO and owner of EJ’s Auction & Appraisal, based in Glendale, Arizona. The full-service auction house will auction the ‘Boot of Cortez’ on Friday, June 12, 2026. Bidders can register by June 9 at bootofcortez.com. Photo credit – Jeff Noble/jeffnoblepictures.com