Industrial Micro-Terminal with Gold-Plated Finish
Electronic Component Connector / Micro-Terminal Pin · Yellow Gold plating; an industrial alloy optimized for electrical conductivity
Purity: Gold-Plated (Flash or Heavy Gold Plate), likely 24K surface over base metal (Brass/Bronze/Copper)
Type
Electronic Component Connector / Micro-Terminal Pin
Purity
Gold-Plated (Flash or Heavy Gold Plate), likely 24K surface over base metal (Brass/Bronze/Copper)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating; an industrial alloy optimized for electrical conductivity
Weight
Sub-gram (estimated 0.05g to 0.15g)
Description
This item is an industrial electronic terminal pin rather than a piece of jewelry or bullion. It features a gold-plated exterior designed to prevent corrosion and ensure high conductivity for low-voltage signals. The flared 'cup' at the end is designed for wire insertion and crimping, as evidenced by the thin, dark copper/alloy wire still attached. The cylindrical body suggests it may be part of a multi-pin connector assembly commonly found in aerospace, medical, or high-end computing applications.
Key Features
Flared crimp collar, cylindrical contact body, and gold-plated conductive surface for oxidation resistance
Color & Finish
Dull yellow gold with a matte/satin industrial finish; significant patina and surface oxidation on attached wire
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible; industrial pins are typically too small for hallmarks and are marked on wholesale packaging
Dimensions Estimate
Length: 5mm - 8mm; Diameter: 1mm - 2mm (Miniature scale)
Gemstones & Inlays
None; functional industrial design
Clasp & Closure
Crimped or soldered wire interface (female or male receptacle terminal)
Chain & Links
Not applicable; single rigid cylindrical body with a flared flange
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-machined or deep-drawn industrial manufacturing with electrolytic gold plating
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic yellow luster of gold plating on an industrial copper-base component; presence of green or dark oxidation on the attached wire suggests a non-gold core
Origin & Maker
Mass-produced industrial electronic component; likely manufactured by a global supplier like TE Connectivity or Molex
Era & Period
Contemporary Industrial (Late 20th to 21st Century)
Age Estimate
Likely 5 to 20 years old based on wire oxidation and wear patterns
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'E-Waste' era of gold usage, where gold is a vital utility metal powering the global digital infrastructure
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor (as a collectible); the wire is severed and oxidized, and the gold plating shows signs of abrasion and surface contamination
Value Estimate
Nominal / Scrap value only. Melt value is negligible (less than $0.05) due to the extremely thin nature of industrial gold plating
Care & Maintenance
No maintenance required for scrap; if used for electronics, clean only with Isopropyl Alcohol and lint-free swabs
Similar Items
Gold-plated CPU pins, PCB headers, and high-end audio/video connectors
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in electronics not for its beauty, but because it does not tarnish or corrode like silver or copper, maintaining a perfect electrical connection over decades