Ribbon wire/connectors question

To me rule of thump it always pays better to break down scrap as long as you have the time. I had a box of ribbon wire an figure cut open the connectors an start pulling out the gold plated pins. Herd u can get about 80$ lbs for pins. But when I look at my pile of pins it's silver in color each pin does have gold on it but it's such a small amount is this something that still can be sold one day? Or do I have to start trimming pins now? If that's the case forget it