Gold - and silver - are practical solutions to several problems. Among those problems are the fiat currency/counterfeiting operation run by the Federal Reserve system and the consequent inflation. Societal collapse is another peccadillo that precious metals might help tide you through - paper money will likely be rendered fairly useless if and when the s--- hits the fan. Plus, short of Armageddon, gold and silver are a fun, convenient store of value.
GIC provides the background to understanding the exigencies of gold ownership.
