Originally Posted by
wrencher
I haven't posted on this website but have read much. My late brother was a big fan of this site and urged me to join before he died. He was a moderate prepper. He saved silver and gold as well. I have a question as to the value of metals. When the shtf and means of survival become of more value, what will be the real value of gold or silver? Steel, iron, or aluminum, I think, will have a far greater value as they have a usefulness greater than gold or silver. Even copper as a conductor will have more value in electrical generation. I think back to an episode of "Alf" where he says that on his planet gold is worthless. It was used for the plumbing on his spaceship. Ancient civilizations valued gold for its beauty and little more. In a non-monetary society using barter solely as a means of exchange of goods and services, what good is having precious metals if nobody needs them? Wouldn't it be better to stockpile goods and/or develop skills? Use monetary funds now while they have value to purchase goods, equipment, and instructions for skills that will retain value later.
Is there some utilitarian use for gold or silver?