Precious metals are metals occurring naturally and are considered “rare”, thus, of high economic value. They are pleasing to the eye and usually have luster. They are also malleable, which is a good thing, especially in jewelry production.

Although these metals were used as currency in ancient history, they now take on the role of being investments and commodities. The coinage metals of silver and gold are the best-known type of metals, perpetually retaining higher prices. In bulk form, metals are known as bullion. The rarity of a precious metal piece, as well as the demand for such, determines its value. When a nation mints bullion coins, these precious metals are viewed as legal tender. However, they have lower face value than in their bullion (or bulk) state. Purity varies from issue to issue.

Gold and silver have been used throughout recorded history in various arts, jewelry, coinage, ornaments, tableware and utensils. They have also been used in trade and have been the basis for many monetary systems. In ancient Rome, Roman miners produced silver bullion that significantly stabilized Roman currency. Who hasn’t heard of the Biblical account of the 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for the betrayal of Jesus Christ? Through the ages, gold has been a symbol of many things to societies. It is often associated with wealth, power, wisdom, the sun, happiness and even hope.

One inviting characteristic of gold is air; moisture and other corrosive reagents do not affect it. Because of its highly reflective quality, it is used in coating glass in mirrors. Gold and silver, as well as platinum, have many applications in jewelry, medicine and other important industries. Although platinum is a favorite with jewelers, it has important uses in other fields. For example, it is used to create LCD and plasma television screen glass. It is also a component of pacemakers and helps fight cancer. Societies today present awards and prizes in gold, such as the gold medal, golden trophies or gold overlays. We even have terms like “the golden years”, the “golden anniversary” and “the golden rule.” 

There is no doubt that people have been affected by precious metals both on a personal and social level. In search of this precious metal, oceans have been traversed, nations have been conquered, and happiness has been found. Isn’t it time you reached out for your own collection of gold and silver?