Small Generic Yellow Gold Bar/Ingot (Likely 22K-24K Secondary Market)
Gold Bar / Ingot · Yellow Gold (classic warm tone with high saturation)
Purity: Estimated high purity (22K to 24K / 91.6% to 99.9% gold). The deep, rich yellow color is characteristic of metals with minimal alloy content.
Type
Gold Bar / Ingot
Purity
Estimated high purity (22K to 24K / 91.6% to 99.9% gold). The deep, rich yellow color is characteristic of metals with minimal alloy content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (classic warm tone with high saturation)
Weight
Estimated 10 to 20 grams based on its volume relative to the palm. Note: This appears to be a smaller cast or hand-poured piece.
Description
A utilitarian small gold ingot presented in a raw, rectangular form. Its high-intensity yellow hue suggests a very high gold content. Unlike commercially branded bars, this piece has a primitive, industrial aesthetic with unrefined edges and a surface covered in handling marks, characteristic of gold traded for its raw material value rather than numismatic appeal.
Key Features
Hand-handled texture, high-purity color saturation, flat rectangular geometry, and a heavy-for-size appearance.
Color & Finish
Deep golden yellow with a semi-matte/brushed surface; the face shows significant circular and cross-hatched scratching (scuffing) from contact with other metals or abrasive handling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the current orientation. Typically, such bars carry weight and purity stamps on the reverse or the face, but this side appears plain or worn smooth.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 20mm x 15mm x 3mm (Standard small rectangular slab proportions).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a solid metallic item focused on bullion value.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Investment/Bullion form).
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The edges appear roughly cut or cast rather than precision machine-milled.
Craftsmanship Details
Simple industrial construction. The piece appears to have been stamped from a larger sheet or cast in a simple open mold with minimal post-production polishing.
Authentication Indicators
The color is very consistent with high gold content (low copper/silver alloy). However, the lack of stamps is a red flag for 'melt-only' gold; it requires XRF or Specific Gravity testing to confirm it is not gold-plated lead or tungsten.
Origin & Maker
Indeterminate. The absence of a mint mark suggests a generic, local, or small-refinery pour rather than a major brand like PAMP or Valcambi.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern. While small gold bars are timeless, the lack of ornate decoration suggests modern bullion or local refinery production.
Age Estimate
Likely produced within the last 20 years, though the heavy scratching suggests a period of circulation in the secondary market.
Cultural Significance
In South Asia and the Middle East, small gold slabs are often bought during festivals or weddings as a portable, liquid form of family savings.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface scratching and minor edge deformation. There is visible wear that would classify this as 'scruffy bullion' in the trade.
Value Estimate
Primarily Melt Value. Calculated as (Weight in grams * 0.916 to 0.999 * Current Gold Spot Price). No significant collector premium due to lack of branding.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a soft pouch to prevent further scratching. Gold this pure is very soft and easily dented. Clean only with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive chemical cleaners.
Similar Items
PAMP Suisse Fortuna 10g Bar (which has refined markings), gold-plated brass novelty bars (which would be much lighter), or a standard 1-tola gold bar.
Interesting Facts
Small gold bars have been used as a private form of currency and wealth storage for millennia. In many cultures, these are known as 'biscuit gold' or 'buttons' depending on the shape.