For anyone who appreciates history, gold is an asset that has captured the attention of humans for thousands of years. Long before there were dollars, euros, yen, rubles, yuan, or any of the other currencies that circulate around the globe today, gold was money. Gold is not only a traditional means of exchange; it continues to play a prominent role in the world financial system. Central banks, governments, monetary authorities, and even supranational institutions like the International Monetary Fund all hold gold as a reserve asset. While the official sector leaders who are responsible for