An Ancient Graeco – Scythian Gold (Electrum) Ornamental Plaque

circa 6th – 5th century BC

This original ancient gold plaque in the form of an eagle has been recently made into a pendant.

In antiquity, this gold eagle plaque would be attached to a cloth through eight pierced openings.  Eagle in antiquity was a symbol of strength and immortality.

The gold plaque has been mounted on a lapis lazuli slab with a slightly roughened frontal surface.

Height of the gold eagle – 45 mm (1 3/4 in.)

Size of the lapis slab – 58 x 46 mm (2 1/4 x 1 7/8 in.)

Technically, the metal alloy of the eagle is electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. The ancient Greeks called it ‘white gold’.

Frequently, the porportion of gold and silver in electrum, is close to 50/50.

Some of the earliest electrum coins minted by the Greeks in the 6th century BC contained 45-55% of gold.

The color of electrum is yellowish-white due to a high silver content.

This particular electrum plaque contains 52.75% of gold and 44.79% of silver.

The eagle pendant comes with a metal analysis report showing 52.75% average gold content (min. reading 51.47%, max. reading 53.81%)

with additions of silver 44.79%, copper 2.502%, nickel 0.010%.

The pendant is sold without chain.