Since the use of gold goes back to a time near the dawn of man, the historical records of gold's original discovery have long ago been lost to modern man.
This loss of detailed information about the discovery of gold in the historical record is not to say that we have no early records of the use of gold. Gold is mentioned in nearly every corner of the world's history. From the ancient civilisations of Greece, Egypt, Nubia and Rome, gold has been a centrepiece of trade and commerce. Valued for its unusual yellow sheen and malleability, gold has found its way into the craftsman's hands, being formed into jewellery, decorations and eventually coins. Even the biblical record cites many cases where gold and other precious metals were used as decorations or for commerce.
The elemental symbol of gold is AU. The origins of this symbol may provide some hint to the first scientific studies of the gold element as the letters that form the symbol are the first two letters of the Latin word, Aurum, which was used by the Greeks as the word for gold. With a great measure of ancient science coming from the Greeks, it is not a far reach to assume that they may have been the first individuals to think of gold in elemental terms.
A detailed, UK-focused guide exploring the strengths, risks, and roles of gold and silver in investment portfolios. Learn how each metal performs in times of economic uncertainty, how VAT affects your choices, and what historical and industrial trends mean for future value.
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When you think of Olympic gold medals, what comes to mind? For many, it's the glimmering symbol of victory, prestige, and relentless hard work. But here’s a surprising twist: these celebrated awards aren't actually made of solid gold! Instead, they primarily consist of silver with just a thin layer of gold plating.
When the Coinage Act was passed in 1792, the American Dollar was backed by 24.75 grains of gold.
Curious about the value of a ton of gold? This page breaks down the numbers - from troy ounces to global supply - and reveals just how much one ton of pure gold is worth at today’s live prices.
