Assayers Appraisal

Parsons & Co. 1860 Assayers Twenty Dollars Gold Bar (Ingot)

This item is a small, rectangular gold-colored ingot or bar, presenting as a specimen of private territorial gold from the Colorado gold rush era. The face of the bar features a stamped inscription in serif lettering arranged in five lines: 'PARSONS & Co.', 'ASSAYERS', 'COL.', '1860', and 'TWENTY DOLS.' (note the inverted orientation of the text in the image). The bar is fashioned with rounded corners and a slightly uneven surface consistent with hand-poured or hand-stamped manufacturing techniques of the mid-19th century. In terms of condition, the piece shows significant surface wear, including numerous small nicks, scratches, and pitting across the face and edges. There is a visible patina or localized discoloration, particularly around the recessed areas of the letters, which suggests aging or long-term handling. The metal has a deep yellow hue characteristic of high-purity gold or a gold-plated replica. While Parsons & Co. were historical assayers in Tarryall, Colorado, authentic specimens are extremely rare; many such bars found today are commemorative re-strikes, replicas, or souvenirs. A material analysis (such as X-ray fluorescence) and weight measurement would be necessary to distinguish if this is a solid precious metal historical artifact or a plated modern reproduction. The craftsmanship is utilitarian, reflecting the frontier origins of the original mark.