22K to 24K Hand-Forged Raw Gold Ingot
Raw Gold/Ingot · Yellow Gold (High Purity Alloy)
Purity: Estimated 22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%); the deep saturated orange-yellow color is characteristic of high-purity gold above 90%.
Type
Raw Gold/Ingot
Purity
Estimated 22K (91.6%) to 24K (99.9%); the deep saturated orange-yellow color is characteristic of high-purity gold above 90%.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (High Purity Alloy)
Weight
Estimated 5.0 - 8.0 grams based on fingers for scale; appears dense and solid.
Description
A dense, high-purity gold ingot featuring a rudimentary rectangular form. The piece displays the characteristic 'buttery' texture of high-karat gold, with rounded, organic edges. Its irregular shape and lack of official mint marks suggest it was created for value storage rather than aesthetic jewelry purposes.
Key Features
High-purity color, hand-hammered or poured appearance, semi-malleable edge dings, and a unique circular notch on the lower corner which may indicate where a sample was taken for assay.
Color & Finish
Deep, rich honey-yellow with a naturally matte, micro-pitted surface. Shows a soft satin luster with scattered abrasions and a minor dark oxidation mark on the upper right edge.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible; common for hand-poured or small-scale artisanal ingots. The lack of stamps suggests a localized trade bar or a piece of refined scrap.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 12mm x 15mm; roughly 3mm-4mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; solid metal construction.
Clasp & Closure
None; not applicable (Bullion/Ingot).
Chain & Links
N/A; flat, non-uniform edges with a distinct indentation (pour mark or testing notch) on the lower left.
Craftsmanship Details
Rudimentary hand-poured or cast-in-sand technique. The uneven thickness and irregular profile indicate a non-industrial, manual production environment.
Authentication Indicators
The rich color and lack of 'brassing' or plating wear indicate solid high-karat gold. The surface pitting is typical of a cooling metal pour rather than a stamped industrial product. Recommend XRF (X-ray fluorescence) for exact purity.
Origin & Maker
Unknown; likely an artisanal pour or a hand-cut segment from a larger bar. Common in Southeast Asian or Indian gold markets.
Era & Period
Modern but produced using Traditional/Manual methods.
Age Estimate
Undeterminable due to simple design; surface wear suggests it has been handled as a pocket piece or transit metal recently (likely last 10-20 years).
Cultural Significance
Represents the traditional practice of 'bho' or gold biscuit fragmenting, where gold is kept in raw form for its intrinsic value and liquid portability.
Condition Notes
Very Good (Raw State); exhibits numerous surface hairlines and micro-scratches consistent with high-purity gold's softness. One small dark inclusion on the edge.
Value Estimate
Primarily Melt Value (Spot Gold Price x Weight x 0.91-0.99) minus a small refinery spread due to lack of hallmarking.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemicals; clean only with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Store separately as it will easily scratch harder 14K jewelry.
Similar Items
Tola Bars, PAMP Suisse 5g Minted Bar (more uniform), or Raw Gold Nuggets (more crystalline).
Interesting Facts
High-purity gold ingots like this have been used as a portable 'emergency currency' for centuries, particularly in regions where the banking system is less trusted than physical metal.