Aspen in Objects: Silver Nugget

This little piece of solid silver came from the largest silver nugget ever mined in the United States. It weighed 1,853 pounds and had to be cut into three pieces to be removed from the Smuggler Mine in 1894. It assayed at 96 percent pure silver. Unfortunately for mine owner, David Hyman, the nugget was mined after the Silver Panic of 1893, which triggered a large drop in the price of silver.

Bests, Firsts & Worsts: Aspen in Objects explores the area’s unique history  told through more than 90 artifacts, each with its own tale that sheds light on the Aspen valley’s bright — and dark — times. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, 620 W. Bleeker St.