There are many precious metals that have been discovered over the centuries. For thousands of years the metals have been used to buy and barter with. They have been a symbol of elegance and power. People have fought and people have died trying to claim these precious metals for themselves. The most coveted one of them all is gold. These days there are a few metals such as platinum that are worth more than their weight in gold. However, the history of platinum and other precious metals like it cannot even compare to the impact that gold has had on the world. Even the famous explorer Christopher Columbus would not have been able to accomplish his goals without leverage the idea of gold.

For thousands of years gold has been used as the primary currency for hundreds of civilizations. Some of the first gold coins were minted in 670 B.C. by King Gyges of Lydia in Turkey. Even prior to King Gyges, civilizations such as the tribes of Greece had implemented gold as a currency into their societies. Hundreds of years later, gold would become a staple in the Roman Empire as well. Fast forward 1700 years and England is following in their footsteps. Even now during an economic recession what commodity do people trust and invest in? Gold…

Cultures through the millennia have not only used gold as a currency but also as an extremely elaborate decoration. Even more so than now, the shaping and molding of gold was an incredible art form. Wealthy people would lace their homes in it. It would be integrated into furniture and wall articulations. Gold would be molded for broaches and bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The riches members of society would enjoy their finest wine out of golden goblets and eat fruits off of golden plates. And whenever war came to a civilization, plunder would always be measured first by the gold.

Though gold then and now is held in higher regard than any other precious metal, gold’s value is not based on its strength or sturdiness. The value of gold rests in its’ rarity and its’ timelessness. Rarity is quite simple in that it is more difficult to acquire than almost any other precious metal but what do I mean by timelessness? I am referring to gold unbelievable ability to resist the elements. True If you were to put two equal fighters against one another, one with a gold sword and one with an iron sword, the iron sword would break the golden one in only a few strikes. However, leave both swords lying around for a thousand years and try It again. You would probably have a much different outcome.

Metals are usually very susceptible to the elements. Common “strong” metals like iron and steel are very susceptible corrosion and rust. Gold is the most resistant and non reactive of all metals. Oxygen compounds can turn a slab of iron into dust over a long enough period of time. Gold however, will not react to oxygen. It will keep for thousands of years. It does not tarnish and it will never, ever rust.

Doug Preston maintains an informative website on the subject of gold which also contains information for people who would like to sell unwanted gold

[tags]history of gold, gold and civilizations, sell unwanted gold[/tags]