Industrial Gold-Plated DB15 Male Connector for Electronic E-Waste Recovery
Electronic Component (D-Subminiature Connector) · Industrial Yellow Gold Plating (High Conductivity Hard Gold Alloy)
Purity: 24K Gold Plating (Flash or Thin Film Coating)
Type
Electronic Component (D-Subminiature Connector)
Purity
24K Gold Plating (Flash or Thin Film Coating)
Gold Type
Industrial Yellow Gold Plating (High Conductivity Hard Gold Alloy)
Weight
Trace Gold Content (Negligible total weight, likely less than 0.01g of actual gold)
Description
An industrial gold-plated DB15 male communication connector. While predominantly copper or brass, it utilizes a thin layer of gold on the contact pins to ensure electrical conductivity and prevent corrosion in high-speed data transfer applications. This is considered 'E-Waste' or 'Gold Scrap' rather than jewelry or bullion.
Key Features
15-pin layout, trapezoidal metal shield, gold-plated contacts for low electrical resistance
Color & Finish
Yellow Gold Satin/Matte Finish; showing significant oxidation, verdigris, and surface grime
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible for purity; standard industrial mounting screws and plastic housing marks
Dimensions Estimate
Standard DB15 (DA-15) Shell; approximately 39mm width x 12.5mm height
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features 15 copper alloy pins with gold-over-nickel plating
Clasp & Closure
Screw-down flange for serial/parallel communication ports
Chain & Links
Standard D-sub straight pin configuration (not a chain)
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced stamped metal and injection-molded plastic; pins are gold-flashed over a nickel barrier layer.
Authentication Indicators
Visual gold color on pins; green corrosion (verdigris) indicates a base metal core (copper/brass) beneath the gold coating.
Origin & Maker
Generic Industrial Component (Likely Manufactured in Southeast Asia)
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Early 21st Century Electronic Hardware
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2005 based on connector type and wear
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Information Age' and the transition to high-speed digital peripheral connectivity.
Condition Notes
Poor; heavy oxidation (green verdigris), surface debris, and potential bent pins. Non-functional.
Value Estimate
Industrial scrap value (Melt value is less than $0.05 USD due to trace amounts of gold recovery costs)
Care & Maintenance
Requires isopropyl alcohol and electronic contact cleaner for functional restoration; not intended for jewelry cleaning.
Similar Items
VGA Connectors (DB15 High Density), Serial Ports (DB9), Parallel Ports (DB25)
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in electronics not for its beauty, but because it is the most malleable and corrosion-resistant noble metal, essential for reliable electrical contact.