24K Raw Cast Gold Bar Fragment
Bar/Ingot (Scrap) · Yellow Gold, likely unalloyed bullion or refined scrap.
Purity: Estimated 24K (99.9% pure gold). The deep, saturated buttery yellow tone is characteristic of high-purity fine gold.
Type
Bar/Ingot (Scrap)
Purity
Estimated 24K (99.9% pure gold). The deep, saturated buttery yellow tone is characteristic of high-purity fine gold.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold, likely unalloyed bullion or refined scrap.
Weight
Estimated 10-15 grams based on visible thickness and dense profile (roughly 0.3 - 0.5 troy oz).
Description
This is a raw, high-purity gold fragment, likely a portion of a larger hand-cast ingot or a piece of refined stock gold. It features the characteristic 'softness' of fine gold, evidenced by the numerous small impact marks and scratches across its surface. The irregular notch suggests it may have been sampled for testing or cut down to meet a specific weight requirement for a jewelry melt.
Key Features
Deep buttery color associated with 24K purity; irregular industrial shape; evidence of soft-metal displacement in surface scratches.
Color & Finish
Rich, vibrant yellow with a semi-matte, cast surface. Exhibits a soft, natural luster with significant surface marring and a dull patina from handling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. This appears to be a hand-poured or industrial fragment that has been cut or broken from a larger piece.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 15mm x 18mm with a thickness of 3-4mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. Structural profile is rectangular with rounded corners and a significant notch or cutout on the upper left edge.
Craftsmanship Details
Basic hand-cast or industrial pour. Surfaces are not finished; edges are raw and show evidence of mechanical cutting.
Authentication Indicators
Color saturation (high-karat yellow), lack of 'brassing' in deep scratches, and high density appearance. Red flag: The dark spotting on the right side could indicate surface iron contamination or base metal inclusions; XRF testing is highly recommended.
Origin & Maker
Unknown; likely from a private refinery or as secondary melt scrap from an artisan workshop.
Era & Period
Contemporary industrial or artisan refined gold.
Age Estimate
Modern production, likely last 20 years based on surface oxidation patterns.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'store of value' aspect of gold in its most utilitarian form, stripped of artistic or numismatic premium.
Condition Notes
Poor/Scrap condition. Surface is heavily pitted and scratched. One corner shows a significant notch consistent with a shear-cut. Natural oxidation and dirt present in crevices.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value (Weight x 0.999 x Spot Gold Price). Minimal to no numismatic or artistic premium.
Care & Maintenance
Store individually to prevents further scratching. Clean with a soft brush and warm soapy water. Do not polish if intending to keep as bullion stock.
Similar Items
Gold nuggets, 10g PAMP Suisse bars, or jewelry melt-scrap buttons.
Interesting Facts
Gold is so malleable that a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. This specific piece's 'buttery' texture is a physical manifestation of that atomic softness.