Sumatran Motif Inscribed Cast Bullion Bar (Alleged)
Coin/Bullion · Unknown; Bar features the text 'BANK SUMATRA'. Note: This does not match established mint marks of the Indonesian central bank (Bank Indonesia).
Pattern: Novelty/Replica Cast Bar
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Unknown; Bar features the text 'BANK SUMATRA'. Note: This does not match established mint marks of the Indonesian central bank (Bank Indonesia).
Material
Purportedly '999.9' Fine Silver or Gold, however, the visible surface oxidation, brassy undertones, and pitting strongly suggest a base metal alloy (copper/brass) with a thin coating or artificial patination.
Dimensions
Estimated at 15cm x 6cm x 3cm. A solid bar of this size in silver would weigh approximately 3kg; in gold, nearly 5kg. The way it is held suggests a much lighter, less dense material.
Description
This object is a rectangular cast bar featuring various pseudo-official stamps including a high-purity mark and the name of a region in Indonesia. While styled to resemble historical bullion, its physical characteristics suggest it is a novelty item or a 'treasure' replica rather than a genuine precious metal asset.
Key Features
Inconsistent 'A.U' mark on an object that appears silver/brass colored; Southern Cross star motif; non-standard 'Bank Sumatra' branding; rough, porous surface texture.
Material & Composition
Purportedly '999.9' Fine Silver or Gold, however, the visible surface oxidation, brassy undertones, and pitting strongly suggest a base metal alloy (copper/brass) with a thin coating or artificial patination.
Finish & Decoration
Rough cast finish with heavy artificial oxidation; features stamped serial number '041224', purity '999.9', a circular crest with 'A.U' and 'BANK SUMATRA', and a Southern Cross star constellation motif.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '999.9' fineness mark; 'A.U' (chemical symbol for Gold); 'BANK SUMATRA' circular text; six-star constellation stamps; '041224' serial number. These are non-standard and lack official refinery assay marks.
Construction Details
Sand-cast or mold-cast; primitive stamping performed after cooling. The edges show significant wear and revealing of a lighter base metal beneath the dark surface.
Functional Features
None; intended to represent a store of value or a historical treasure find.
Handle & Grip Details
None; beveled edges for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Low-quality industrial casting. The stamps are unevenly struck and the text 'BANK SUMATRA' is crudely aligned, inconsistent with the precision required for high-purity bullion production.
Authentication Indicators
RED FLAG: The combination of '999.9' and 'A.U' (gold) on a bar that does not look like gold is a primary indicator of a novelty or counterfeit. Lack of credible refinery logo (e.g., Argor-Heraeus, Valcambi, or Antam). No official assay certificate would match these markings.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia, given the 'Sumatra' inscription. These items are frequently found in local novelty markets.
Era & Period
Modern (Industrial/Novelty), styled to look like an antique or 'lost treasure' artifact.
Age Estimate
Late 20th or early 21st century; artificially aged to simulate greater antiquity.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the local folklore surrounding 'Harta Karun' (hidden treasure) in the Indonesian archipelago.
Condition Notes
Fair. Significant surface pitting and oxidation. The dark 'patina' is chipping away at the corners (a 'silver-on-brass' or 'paint-on-lead' effect), revealing a yellowish/whitish core underneath.
Value Estimate
$10 - $30 USD as a novelty/curiosity piece. It has negligible precious metal value; value is for the brass/base metal weight only.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use silver cleaners, as they will likely strip the artificial patina and reveal the base metal. Maintain as a decorative paperweight only.
Similar Pieces
Antam (Aneka Tambang) official gold bars; these are highly polished, precisely struck, and come with vacuum-sealed certificates, unlike this cast piece.
Interesting Facts
Items like this are often part of 'buried treasure' scams in Southeast Asia, where brass bars are treated with chemicals to look like old silver or gold to trick tourists or locals.