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The Allure of Gold Throughout History and the Modern Age

Bullion Vault
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Creative Commons

The history of gold is a history of beauty, bloodshed and obsession. Gold has been fought for, worn ornamentally, traded as tender and at times even worshiped. This hour, we continue to mine it, covet it, and find uses for it even King Midas himself would never have imagined.

But why has the allure of this precious metal endured for so long? Investors will say its rarity ensures its worth. Numismatists will point to its ancient uses as currency to justify the appeal. And scientists may point to its uses in electronics and space travel as a means of explaining its value.

Whatever the reasons behind humanity's historic love affair with gold, one thing is sure: our affinity for the rare metal is as untarnished now as it always has been. Both governments and individuals alike hoard it behind lock and key. Today we talk with experts in an effort to mine the true reasons behind our lust for gold.

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Josh was a producer for WNPR's talk shows. He has produced for Where We Live and was a producer for The Colin McEnroe Show until 2020.

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Federal funding is gone.

Congress has eliminated all funding for public media.

That means $2.1 million per year that Connecticut Public relied on to deliver you news, information, and entertainment programs you enjoyed is gone.

The future of public media is in your hands.

All donations are appreciated, but we ask in this moment you consider starting a monthly gift as a Sustainer to help replace what’s been lost.

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