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Key Fact
Description
This is a vintage Gold License from the Colony of Victoria, dated October 1853. It is a printed document on aged paper, featuring decorative borders and an embossed seal. The license permits the bearer, George Wright, to mine or dig for gold, for which a fee of 2 Pounds 10 Shillings was paid. It specifies regulations for digging and land usage, signed by J.F. Hood, Commissioner. The document showcases the official requirements for gold prospecting during that era.
History
This license dates back to the gold rush era in Victoria, Australia, in 1853. The Colony of Victoria was a British Crown colony at this time. The document reflects the governmental control and taxation of gold mining. The mention of the Government Printing Office indicates the official nature of these licenses and the infrastructure in place to manage the burgeoning gold industry. The signatures of George Wright and J.F. Hood represent the prospector and the issuing authority, respectively.
Facts
The license explicitly outlines rules concerning proximity to roads, destruction of property, and land boundaries for miners, suggesting a structured approach to resource management. It also notes limitations on mining, such as prohibiting work on Sundays. The presence of such regulations highlights the societal impact of the gold rush, balancing economic opportunity with order and land rights.
Value Fact
Gold licenses from this period are highly sought after by collectors of Australiana and mining memorabilia. Their rarity and historical significance contribute to their value. Documents detailing specific mining claims or regulations from significant gold rush locations like Victoria often command strong prices in auctions and private sales, with values depending on condition and provenance.

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