Cast Gold Ingot Fragment or Raw Ingot Plaque
Bar/Ingot (Fragment) · Yellow gold with raw, unrefined surface characteristics; likely contains minor traces of silver or copper common in artisanal smelting.
Purity: Estimated 22K to 24K (91.6% to 99.9% fine gold). The deep yellow color and surface mineralization suggest high purity but require XRF testing for confirmation.
Type
Bar/Ingot (Fragment)
Purity
Estimated 22K to 24K (91.6% to 99.9% fine gold). The deep yellow color and surface mineralization suggest high purity but require XRF testing for confirmation.
Gold Type
Yellow gold with raw, unrefined surface characteristics; likely contains minor traces of silver or copper common in artisanal smelting.
Weight
15 to 30 grams (0.5 to 1.0 troy oz) based on visible thickness and dense square profile.
Description
This item is a dense, square-profile gold plaque or ingot fragment, characterized by a raw, textured surface typical of a sand-cast or open-mold pour. The rich, golden hue is indicative of extremely high purity. A distinct semi-circular notch on the left edge suggests it was either part of a larger interconnected series of ingots or has been sampled for assaying. The surface shows microscopic cooling ridges and dendritic crystallization patterns common in unpolished, high-karat gold.
Key Features
Characteristic 'orange peel' surface texture from cooling, high thickness-to-surface-area ratio, and a specialized side notch.
Color & Finish
Intense, saturated buttery yellow with visible crystallization; features a cast matte/textured finish with heavy oxidation and surface pitting.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks or stamps are present on this side; indicates an unrefined or artisanal pour rather than a commercial mint product.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 20mm x 20mm with a thickness of 3mm-4mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None.
Clasp & Closure
None; notched on one side suggesting it may have been broken from a larger bar or held by a mechanical clamp during cooling.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. Structural body shows granular cast texture.
Craftsmanship Details
Rudimentary casting. The piece shows no signs of machining or rolling, suggesting a simple gravity pour into a pre-heated mold.
Authentication Indicators
Color saturation suggests high karat; surface pitting is consistent with the cooling of molten gold; lack of 'brassing' (flaking) suggests a solid rather than plated composition.
Origin & Maker
Indeterminate; likely a private refiner, small-scale miner, or bench jeweler's melt scrap.
Era & Period
Contemporary artisanal or modern raw gold reclamation.
Age Estimate
Modern (last 20 years) based on surface condition and lack of significant historical wear/patina.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the universal practice of wealth storage through bullion and the industrial side of jewelry production where gold is melted for reuse.
Condition Notes
Grade: Good (Raw/Industrial). Structural integrity is high, but the surface is heavily textured with casting defects and minor oxidation spots.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued for its melt content (Weight x Spot Price x Purity). Minimal collector premium due to lack of mint marks.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid aggressive polishing which removes weight; clean with mild soapy water only. Store in a soft pouch to prevent the high-purity (soft) metal from scratching.
Similar Items
Gold doré bars, assay samples, or 1oz investment bars from private refiners.
Interesting Facts
When gold is poured into a mold, the high surface tension of the liquid metal often creates rounded edges and unique crystalline patterns as it solidifies from the outside in.