I think where people aren't so clear about things is that precious metals and other trade goods aren't forms of currency-- at least looking at history. I think its easy to call it "currency" because of the world we live in, but understand that the idea of currency is that it comes with a number value. Precious metals and other trade goods are simply that-- trade goods with no real number value assigned to them.

The way I see it is that if society ever reverted back to that point so severely (which is essentially most of you seem to be gravitating towards), the concept of currency would be a moot point. Precious metals would only have value to those who can make trade goods out of them (that aren't necessarily luxury items); such as using silver for its medicinal purposes, or gold for its conductivity, etc. However, a person wouldn't "buy" other goods with strictly precious metals because they would hold no real value (unless the person could turn it into a resource).

 

Now, even in "smaller" scale scenarios, like a post-Katrina, as pointed out, the need for precious metals would seem like overkill.

I could see the use if something like the economy faltered and currencies became devalued, precious metals would no doubt be worth something. I have reserved judgments about that too though, but I'm not overly familiar with how something like that works-- so, its better if I shut my mouth regarding that.

Gold is at an all time high for a reason, it is always at an all time high and keeps getting higher in value.

It was once said that if people really knew how the finance markets really work there would be a revolution tomorrow.

I believe the scenario we will see very soon is the economic collapse of the USA.

Yes your bank would still be there, but your money would be, as someone else said, good insulation...but if its worth nothing (paper money) then gold will be of paramount value because of its accepted intrinsic value.

When you take a currency away and leave a void, solid tangible items fill the void.

Gold has always been accepted as a thing of value and would therefore go up in value as it and other forms of barter would be the norm. Gold would be the top demand. Maybe you would see a different unit price for paying in gold, and different, less of a value pricing for other forms of barter...I dont really know...the end has not come yet, and my direct deposit and commissions still clear each month, so life is good...LOL

I think those that are not investing in gold because of its everlasting value are those who invested in houses 10 years ago because the value of houses kept increasing

 

Honestly I think that the best things to have if society as we know it ended would be.....anything. You can barter with ANYTHING that had monetary value at one point. The world ends. You want a gallon of gas? Give the guy a box of 9mm and you're good to go. No need to carry around extra weight in gold when it can't be used for ANYTHING else.