Gold-Plated Industrial Electrical Contact / Terminal Pin
Electrical Contact / Industrial Electronic Scrap · Yellow Gold plating, typically hard gold or cobalt-gold alloy for wear resistance.
Purity: Gold-plated (approx. 0.1 to 2.5 microns). The base metal is likely brass or phosphor bronze. It contains less than 0.1% gold by weight.
Type
Electrical Contact / Industrial Electronic Scrap
Purity
Gold-plated (approx. 0.1 to 2.5 microns). The base metal is likely brass or phosphor bronze. It contains less than 0.1% gold by weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating, typically hard gold or cobalt-gold alloy for wear resistance.
Weight
0.5 to 1.5 grams total weight. The gold content itself is negligible (milligrams).
Description
This is a stamped metallic electrical terminal or leaf-spring contact. While it possesses a golden hue, it is a functional industrial part, not jewelry. The gold appearance is a functional plating used to prevent oxidation and ensure reliable electrical conductivity in low-voltage applications. It features a mounting hole at the base and a contact arm with integrated friction prongs designed to mate with a female connector.
Key Features
Industrial stamping marks, rectangular internal cutout, crimping tabs, and a lack of aesthetic finishing typical of jewelry.
Color & Finish
Brass-yellow with a dull metallic luster. Surface shows heavy mechanical tool marks, striations from stamping, and industrial matte finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Industrial components rarely feature jewelry-style hallmarks; they may occasionally have manufacturer mold numbers (e.g., TE, Molex).
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 20-30mm; Width: 5-8mm; Thickness: 0.5-1mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a functional engineering component.
Clasp & Closure
Mechanical crimp/friction fit. The item features a circular aperture for mounting and crimp-ears at the top for wire attachment.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The structure consists of a stamped metal strip with a central rectangular cutout and folded tension prongs.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-stamped from a continuous metal coil. The edges are shear-cut, and the plating is applied via electrolytic bath in large batches.
Authentication Indicators
The item shows 'brassing' and base metal exposure. The weight-to-size ratio is inconsistent with solid gold. The geometric design is purely utilitarian for electronics.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-produced by an electronic connector manufacturer such as TE Connectivity, Molex, or Amphenol.
Era & Period
Contemporary Industrial (late 20th century to present).
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely manufactured within the last 10-20 years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'E-Waste' movement and the recovery of precious metals from decommissioned technology.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor (as a collectible). Functional condition shows surface scratches, uneven edges from stamping, and potential structural deformation near the top prongs.
Value Estimate
Intrinsic value is near zero ($0.01 - $0.05). It is considered 'e-scrap' and is only valuable when processed in bulk (thousands of units) by a professional refinery.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent the base metal (brass/copper) from corroding through the thin gold plating. Not suitable for jewelry cleaning methods.
Similar Items
Gold-plated CPU pins, RAM contact fingers, and automotive relay connectors.
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in electronics not for its beauty, but because it is the most corrosion-resistant noble metal, ensuring that thin layers do not rust or tarnish over decades of use.