The chase for gold

Gold has undisputedly remained the most popular commodity throughout recorded human history. From being used in the death masks for pharaohs in ancient Egypt to ingots (oblong-shaped bars which served as currency) in ancient China, gold has held an eminent status for a variety of reasons. Rulers in various civilisations hoarded it to display affluence and as a means to amass reserves for any future contingency.

Gold became the cornerstone of international trade with the adoption of the gold standard in the 19th century...