In my snapshot survival world, I threw a few gold ingots at some Piglins. They didn't notice the ingots. Even when they walked over to where the gold ingots are by their natural pathfinding, they didn't pick up the ingots. I would assume it doesn't work with other gold-related items..
Environment
Mac OS, 20w17a
Do you have mob griefing disabled? If so, try right-clicking the piglins to give them ingots