Small Generic Gold Rectangular Bar (Cast or Cut Stock)
Bar/Ingot (Raw Bullion Stock) · Yellow Gold Alloy (likely containing nickel, silver, and copper)
Purity: Indeterminate; visual suggests potential 10K to 14K range or lower-purity alloy (approx. 41.7% to 58.5% gold).
Type
Bar/Ingot (Raw Bullion Stock)
Purity
Indeterminate; visual suggests potential 10K to 14K range or lower-purity alloy (approx. 41.7% to 58.5% gold).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Alloy (likely containing nickel, silver, and copper)
Weight
Estimated 5 to 10 grams based on relative size to fabric weave; solid construction.
Description
A small, utilitarian rectangular gold bar featuring a raw, industrial aesthetic. The item lacks the refined mirror finish of investment-grade bullion, instead displaying deep linear abrasions and nicks consistent with 'bench scrap'—remaining material from a jeweler's workshop. Its pale coloration indicates a lower karat alloy or significant copper/nickel content.
Key Features
Rectangular geometry, irregular edge cuts, heavy surface scuffing, lack of identifying refinery stamps.
Color & Finish
Pale yellow to brassy tone; heavily scratched and abraded surface with a dull, non-reflective matte patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible on the face shown; lacks professional mint assay marks or purity stamps.
Dimensions Estimate
Approx. 15mm x 10mm x 2mm (Small rectangular form).
Gemstones & Inlays
None; simple metallic bar.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; raw industrial or bullion form.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid rectangular profile with rough-cut edges.
Craftsmanship Details
Low quality; appears to be industrial cut stock or a rough-cast ingot. Edges are not chamfered or polished.
Authentication Indicators
Red flags: Absence of hallmarks is highly unusual for genuine gold bars. Color appears overly brassy/bronze in certain lighting, suggesting a potential base metal core or low-karat alloy. Requires XRF testing.
Origin & Maker
Unknown/Generic; likely scrap gold or cut-off from a larger sheet or bar used in jewelry manufacturing.
Era & Period
Contemporary Industrial / Modern Bench Scrap
Age Estimate
Indeterminate; surface wear suggests significant handling or storage in a high-friction environment.
Cultural Significance
Represents the raw commodity value of gold as a storage of wealth rather than an artistic or numismatic object.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair (Refinery Grade). Significant heavy scratching, edge dings, and surface contamination. Not suitable for collection without smelting.
Value Estimate
Primarily Melt Value. Calculated as (Weight) x (Purity Percentage) x (Spot Price), minus a refining fee (typically 10-20% for unmarked scrap).
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry location; if gold, cleaning is unnecessary as value is derived strictly from weight and purity (melt value).
Similar Items
PAMP Suisse 5g Fortuna Bar (would have stamps), Generic 1DWT jeweler's solder, or gold-plated brass weights.
Interesting Facts
Small gold scraps like this are often consolidated by jewelers and 'swept' into a crucible to be refined back into 24K pure gold for new projects.