The Ipswich Museum of England has an addition display of Iron Age gold coins which are dated from 20 BC and running all the way to 20 AD; this 840 piece collection is the largest of gold coins discovered and displayed. It is said that these pieces were hidden by an Inceni tribe warrior queen 20 decades ago during a battle with the Romans. This collection allows the public an insight into the historical lifestyle of that era which showcased other tribal coins where trade as well as political ties exists between tribes.
This form of currency reflects the progressive civilization in any society from the barter system where man can value goods and trade them depending on utility. The use of gold coins indicates man’s ability to value the significance of metal and its rarity.
Man’s Golden Progress
Gold is used in various areas as in adorning buildings or jewelry. The rarity and beauty of gold are greatly appreciated to use it as currency. As man continued its civilization and industrious progression, mining took on a higher sophistication to produce higher quality coins.
Gold as money
It is assumed that the Lydians produced the world’s first gold coins in 630 BC using an alloy of gold, silver and electrum. The progressive technology saw nations issuing gold coins on their own to reflect their own stature and sovereignty with many battling over a larger portion of possession. Ships sank and nations were plundered for more gold while others mint gold coins with different designs to signify their kingdom.
Counterfeit gold came on the scene as greed for the precious matter flourished. As the battle for gold possession intensified, a new industrialization era came on with paper money during the 1700s.
Gold as myth
The precious yellow matter holds a significant value in many societies’ belief systems. Religions have many myths and folklores that incorporate gold in special rituals. Gold is revered as an auspicious metal which is usually accorded as a gift.
The greed of man led to the emergence of Irish leprechauns and fool’s gold where not everything that glitters is gold.
Gold as industry
As technology progresses, mining techniques and grading practices kept improving to produce gold as pure as possible. The evolving technology revolutionized the coin industry although paper currency came into effect in 1933.
Gold as Investment
Gold coins are considered highly liquid assets whose value depends on weight, purity, rarity and other factors. One can own gold without a physical possession through ETFs and gold futures or gold certificates.
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