I know if I was to find a sizeable nugget I would happily sell it off to take the profits from my find, not without some good photos first of course! You have to remember that we, the general public don't usually find out about these finds until the sale has already gone through. Things are kept VERY hush hush up until then.
I'm not sure how many people are lining up to own a gold nugget without the intention of melting it down, other than companies, organisations etc which may have a special interest. I do however admire the respect you show towards their uniqueness!
Thanks. I guess it is a function of the market. I'd imagine in those days the nugget was sold for under-spot price due to it needing to be refined. But now people pay a premium for a decent nugget so maybe a big nugget is more likely to be bought for the purpose of display if they bid more than melt price.