Hard Gold-Plated Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Contact Pads
Electronic Scrap (e-Waste) - Remote Control Internal Board · Hard Gold (Yellow Gold alloyed with Cobalt or Nickel for hardness)
Purity: 99.0% - 99.7% pure (24K fine gold) plating over nickel and copper; total item gold content is less than 0.1%
Type
Electronic Scrap (e-Waste) - Remote Control Internal Board
Purity
99.0% - 99.7% pure (24K fine gold) plating over nickel and copper; total item gold content is less than 0.1%
Gold Type
Hard Gold (Yellow Gold alloyed with Cobalt or Nickel for hardness)
Weight
Total board 15-25 grams; Gold content negligible (estimated 0.005g to 0.015g)
Description
This is an internal Printed Circuit Board from a consumer electronic device, likely a television or media player remote control. It features gold-plated 'button' pads (SW designations) designed to offer low electrical resistance and high corrosion resistance when pressed against rubber carbon-pills. The gold is applied through an electrolytic process to ensure durability over thousands of actuations.
Key Features
ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) or Hard Gold plated circular switch contacts; segmented layout for numeric and navigational buttons
Color & Finish
Yellow metallic luster on contact rings; electrolytic hard gold finish with high wear resistance; matte green solder mask background
Hallmarks & Stamps
Component designators (e.g., SW1, SW2, SW13) silk-screened in white; no precious metal hallmarks
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 150mm x 40mm x 1.6mm (Standard remote control form factor)
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features conductive carbon or metallic tactile switch contact pads
Clasp & Closure
None; intended for housing within a plastic remote control shell; battery spring contacts at bottom
Chain & Links
Copper traces (internal); FR-4 fiberglass laminate substrate with green solder mask epoxy
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial-scale automated manufacturing; CNC-drilled vias; chemical etching of copper; electroplated gold finish
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive yellow hue consistent with industrial gold plating; absence of oxidation on contact points; non-magnetic landing pads (though nickel sub-layer may react slightly)
Origin & Maker
Mass-produced in East Asia (likely China/Taiwan) for consumer electronics
Era & Period
Contemporary (2000s-present) digital electronics era
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2020 based on component layout and PCB fabrication style
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Disposable Tech' culture and the modern challenge of e-waste recycling and urban mining.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor (Scrap Grade); visible surface wear on lower pads; adhesive residue and dust present; missing external casing
Value Estimate
Melt value approximately $0.30 - $0.90 USD based on current spot prices; significant value only realized in bulk (per ton) e-waste processing
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives; if recovering gold, requires professional chemical refining (aqua regia or cyanide stripping) which is hazardous for hobbyists
Similar Items
Computer RAM fingers, gold-plated CPU pins, and SIM card contacts
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in electronics not for its value, but because it does not tarnish or oxidize, ensuring a perfect electrical connection for the life of the device.