Unmarked Rectangular Gold-Toned Casting Grain Ingot/Bar
Gold Bar/Ingot (Raw/Work-in-Progress) · Pale Yellow Gold alloy
Purity: Indeterminate; requires testing. Typically ranges from 10K (41.7%) to 18K (75%) if authentic jewelry scrap/ingot.
Type
Gold Bar/Ingot (Raw/Work-in-Progress)
Purity
Indeterminate; requires testing. Typically ranges from 10K (41.7%) to 18K (75%) if authentic jewelry scrap/ingot.
Gold Type
Pale Yellow Gold alloy
Weight
Estimated 20-40 grams based on volume and density of high-karat gold for its size.
Description
A utilitarian, rectangular gold-toned bar featuring a rough-hewn surface. Unlike investment-grade bullion, this item lacks manufacturer branding or purity certification, giving it the appearance of workshop stock or a 'melt-down' bar intended for refining or jewelry fabrication.
Key Features
Rectangular geometry, heavy surface scoring, lack of numismatic or bullion markings, and a pale yellow hue consistent with low-to-mid karat gold or base metal alloys.
Color & Finish
Pale, muted yellow with a rough, directional brushed/scraped finish. Evidence of surface oxidation and heavy handling scratches.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image. Lack of stamps suggests it is a homemade melt or a sample piece rather than a retail bullion product.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 25mm x 15mm x 5mm (Standard small rectangular slab)
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; solid metal rectangular form.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; solid rectangular block.
Craftsmanship Details
Crude manual finishing. The object appears to have been produced by pouring molten metal into a simple open-face mold and then roughly sanded to remove excess material.
Authentication Indicators
Red Flag: Complete absence of hallmarks or fineness stamps. The color appears somewhat 'brassy' or dull, which may indicate gold-plating over a base metal (brass/copper) or a lower-karat gold alloy. Professional XRF or acid testing is mandatory.
Origin & Maker
Unknown/Private Refiner. Appears to be a hand-cut or small-mold melt typically used by jewelers for raw material.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern industrial or hobbyist production.
Age Estimate
Likely produced within the last 10-20 years; surface wear suggests recent manual handling.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'raw' side of the gold market, focusing on intrinsic metal value rather than artistic or brand prestige.
Condition Notes
Fair. Surface is covered in multi-directional scratches and lacks a professional polish. Edges show slight deformation consistent with manual cutting.
Value Estimate
Subject to 'Melt Value' only if purity is verified. If 14K, value is Gram Weight x 0.585 x Spot Gold Price. If base metal, value is nominal/negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry and separate from finished jewelry pieces to avoid scratching. If authentic, store in a non-reactive poly-bag. Avoid chemical exposure until purity is verified.
Similar Items
PAMP Suisse 1oz Bars (highly finished/stamped), secondary market 'scarp' buttons, or laboratory-grade copper-zinc alloy blanks.
Interesting Facts
Small gold bars like this are often created by independent jewelers who melt down old scrap jewelry into 'buttons' or 'ingots' to be rolled out into wire or sheet metal for new work.