The precious metal that has been historically used as currency is gold. Gold has been valued by civilizations for thousands of years due to its scarcity, durability, and desirability. Its luster and non-tarnishing properties make it an attractive medium for coinage and jewelry. Gold coins emerged as a standardized form of currency around 600 BC in Lydia, and since then, gold has played a significant role in trade, economics, and national reserves. Even today, gold is recognized as a reliable store of value, often used to hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.