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.