now that you mention selling it, ive always wondered how/where would you go to sell those sassy nuggets? would it make more sense to melt all the flakes and dust into a little bar and sell it or is that not allowed? maybe you could post a little bit of your knowledge that would help us newbies when it comes to selling our sassy finds.
There are a few things you can do with the fine gold; I am in a high tourist area. They come from all over the world just to see Yosemite Park. (Among other things). I found out in the 70's that a lot of them would like to take a little gold home, to show to their friends. So, I bought a gross of 1dwt vials. I would put about 5 grains of little flakes in each, with a little bleach/water, (A little bleach keeps the water clean), and then, I sold them for $12.00 each. Remember, gold was less than $100 per oz. during that time, but I still used the gross of vials (144 vials) and probably half of another gross, before I left the river for a couple of years. (Personal business).
And, to the best of my knowledge, there are no restrictions on melting the gold down and casting a small bar. But, you wouldn't be able to (legally) claim its purity, unless you took it to a cerified assayer and had him check and stamp it. Of course, the upside of that is; as a general rule of thumb, the smaller the gold, the greater the potential is for increased purity.
As far as selling gold, I'd say that as long as you know the legal guidelines and don't cross over, let your imagination be your guide. (lol)
Note: I had some cards made attesting to the fact that the gold came from the Merced River and was found after it had been washed out of the park. Actually, you could put whatever you want on the card, but I believe in honesty, so I made it brief and to the point. Read your card and see if from reading it, would you be comfortable in buying that little bit of gold.
Incidentally, I was in ebay and found some molds for casting 1oz bars. I prefer selling my gold "Au Natural". (lol)
