Gold, as a precious metal, has been valued and held in high esteem since ancient times and is still one of the most highly prized metals that has, throughout the ages, been used to symbolize wealth and power.
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (Latin: aurum) and an atomic number of 79. Gold has been a highly sought-after precious metal since the beginning of recorded history. Egyptian hieroglyphs from 2600 BC describe the metal and gold is mentioned several times in the Old Testament.
Gold is a rare metallic element that is found in natural settings, mostly in veins of quartz and in certain other alluvial deposits. It can be found in a free state or in combination with other metals. Gold is dense, soft, shiny and the most malleable and ductile pure metal known. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water.
Gold has long been considered one of the most precious metals, and its value has been used as the standard for many currencies (known as the gold standard) in history. Gold has been used as a symbol for purity, value, royalty, and particularly roles that combine these properties.
Of all the precious metals, Gold is the most popular as an investment. The special issue Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin contains the highest purity Gold of any bullion coin, at 99.999% (.99999 fine). The popular issue Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin has a purity of 99.99%.
