"Gold" pins

[SCpicker]

I bought a pin marked "solid gold" at a yard sale a few weeks ago. I tested it and it's not even 10k. Using 14k acid on the scratch stone the streak didn't even turn coppery like it would if it was 9k or 10k. It just vanished like other non gold things. Last week I came across another pin marked "gold" then the makers mark or initials. It looks more like gold than the other pin but the pin part definitely isn't gold. They wanted $10 for it but I passed on it. Does anyone else have any experience with this kind of mark?

 

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[diggummup]

Maybe this- A "Solid Gold" ring -- which isn't!

 

[JimDon]

"Gold" pins

I tend to find marks that are molded or laser etched to always be fake. Also I avoid any numbers without KT for example 14 as they are always true intended to mislead without breaking the law. As for your piece it does appear to say solid gold but that D is suspect. It almost looks like it's supposed to say solis gold. I've also noticed at the mall a lot of the kiosks advertise rings and they say they are gold. if you look at the ring it's laser Mark 14 karat but since the dealer never sold it to you as 14 karat gold and only as gold rings he can probably get away with it.

 

[GibH]

Solid gold would be 24k and very soft.

 

[tamrock]

I've see pins like yours and yes you need to recognize the bogus one over the ones that are made of gold. I can tell by looking at them through a loupe and even the weight difference in the center palm of my hand give me an indication. I've traded many gold ones for cash at the scrap buyers and sold a few on ebay. The gold pins seem to be made better with much more detail and workmanship. If they have a small stone or diamond take note on how the stone is set. If it's like glued in, then it's a bogus pin most likely.

 

[jerseyben]

Does not look like K gold. Looks like a "home made" mark. IMO.

 

[vwayne1]

Solid gold and gold are recognized marks for gold.

 

[JimDon]

Solid gold and gold are recognized marks for gold.

In the US it is required to post the purity of the gold. is it not?

 

[Metro Retro]

I've found that a lot of these old fraternity pins marked 'solid gold', often have a solid gold "face" or heavy plating in front. If you test the front, you'll likely get a positive result (usually 9K or 10K).

 

[vwayne1]

In the US it is required to post the purity of the gold. is it not?

You are correct. I left the "not" out of that sentence. Thank you.