Gold has been revered as a store of value and medium of exchange for thousands of years due to its inherent properties such as scarcity, durability, and portability. Early civilizations, including ancient Egypt and the Greek and Roman empires, utilized gold for jewellery, decorative purposes, and as a medium of exchange.
The widespread use of gold as a currency grew during the medieval period when goldsmiths began issuing receipts for gold deposited with them, which eventually led to the development of paper money backed by gold reserves.
Today, while gold is not commonly used as a means of payment by the general public, many central banks still hold it as a currency backstop. Its long and illustrious history as a medium of exchange, combined with its continued importance in the global financial system, make gold a highly sought-after asset for high-end goods.