Gold (chemical symbol Au, from the Latin aurum) is a bright yellow precious metal. It is a very dense metal that is highly malleable and ductile and exceptionally resistant to corrosion and tarnish, which helps preserve its appearance over long periods. Gold has been used for coinage since the 6th century BC alongside with silver. Because of its rarity and enduring value, it was traditionally reserved for high-value coinage, often as a basis for major currency systems and international trade. Because pure gold is soft, gold coins were commonly struck in alloys (often with up to 25% silver or copper) to improve durability. The progressive abandonment of the gold standard during the 20th century led to the withdrawal of gold from circulation coinage, though it remains widely used today for bullion and collector coins.
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