improved electroplating ternary gold alloy plating baths wherein the gold ingredient is an alkali metal auricyanide , the gold metal being in the plus three oxidation state , and the alloying metals are both cobalt and molybdenum . the electroplating baths also contain citric acid . a wetting agent or surfactant as well as a stress reducer - brightener are also advantageously utilized in the bath . the ternary alloys may be deposited on various electronic and decorative substrates , and the deposits were characterized by unique physical and mechanical properties . most importantly , there is a substantial improvement in wear resistance . the method of utilizing such improved electroplating baths on various substrates is also described and claimed .