22K Yellow Gold Cast Small Ingot/Bar
Bar/Ingot · Yellow Gold with a warm, rich tone, likely alloyed with silver and copper
Purity: 22K/916, approximately 91.6% pure gold content
Type
Bar/Ingot
Purity
22K/916, approximately 91.6% pure gold content
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a warm, rich tone, likely alloyed with silver and copper
Weight
Estimated between 5 to 10 grams based on visible proportions and thickness
Description
A small, compact square gold bar with rounded corners and a distinctively raw, hand-poured texture. The surface exhibits natural imperfections, uneven cooling marks, and a rich golden color with subtle green or dull surface patination spots. This piece represents the fundamental form of gold store of value, prized for its raw metal content and tangible security.
Key Features
Square shape with rounded corners, hand-poured rustic aesthetic, solid high-purity gold mass, absence of commercial mint stamps
Color & Finish
Deep, rich yellow gold hue with uneven matte and rustic surface texture, showing signs of raw casting and handling patina
Hallmarks & Stamps
No clear hallmarks or purity stamps visible on the surface, which is common in older, unrefined, or primitive poured gold bars
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 15mm by 15mm with a thickness of 2mm, compact square profile
Gemstones & Inlays
None, as this is a solid precious metal ingot
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; solid bar form
Chain & Links
Not applicable
Craftsmanship Details
Crude hand-poured or cast method, lacking the precision of modern hydraulic-pressed or laser-cut bullion bars. Edges are softly rounded from cooling and handling.
Authentication Indicators
The color and heavy feel relative to size are consistent with gold, but the presence of greenish surface discoloration points strongly to a lower karat gold alloy, gold-plated base metal, or brass simulation, requiring immediate professional XRF or acid testing.
Origin & Maker
Unknown private mint, local artisan, or historical foundry
Era & Period
Difficult to assign to a specific era; appears to be a primitive or hand-poured piece, potentially historical or artisan-crafted
Age Estimate
Indeterminate; style suggests either hand-poured traditional manufacture or modern crude casting
Cultural Significance
Represents the universal symbol of wealth, security, and portability throughout human history, transcending specific cultural boundaries.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. Shows surface scuffs, pitting from the casting process, and handling wear. Solid structural integrity with no thinning or cracks.
Value Estimate
Value depends heavily on actual gold purity testing. If solid 22K gold, value is tied directly to current gold spot melt price plus a modest artisan premium; if base metal or plated, value is nominal.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry, padded container to prevent further surface scratching. Can be cleaned gently with warm water and mild soap if needed, avoiding harsh abrasives.
Similar Items
Small poured gold bars from private mints, scrap gold buttons, or ancient square coinage like early Indian punch-marked silver and gold pieces
Interesting Facts
Hand-poured bars like this have been used as currency and store of wealth for millennia, allowing traders to weigh and trade gold before the advent of standardized national coinages.