the rule of unintended consequences come in to play with gold as currency. 1. every one who slls has to be an assayer. if you think counterfitting currency creats a problem, with gold you aint seen nothin yet. gold usually comes in a form that prohibits usual trading. for example you need a can of coffee a loaf of bread, and a dozen eggs, so you flip that kogerand or ounce bar on the counter, how are you going to get your change and in what form will it be. every one will not have a gram ,grain or penney weight scale and 1490 dollars change for a small purchase could present problems, not withstanding lead plugs drilled weights ect. Silver I believe is a much safer and easier method of security and trade. if silver drops 20 % you lost 4$. if gold drops 20% you lost 400$. but the most aluable commodity of all is your skills. I buy junk silver dimes and quarters when I can.