1.17. Metals and Money, and especially of Gold and Silver
![An Essay on Economic Theory by Richard Cantillon](https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_650w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=YiIwLywF 650w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_870w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=fBrL7U1O 870w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_1090w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=cnuy5wMN 1090w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_1310w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=2zk8BH6g 1310w,https://cdn.mises.org/styles/responsive_4_3_1530w/s3/static-page/img/An-Essay-on-Economic-Theory_750x516.jpg.webp?itok=mtXAWopD 1530w)
Gold and silver were highly valued before they were used as money. They hold many advantages over other goods such as durability, divisibility, transportability, and homogeneity. These are the reasons which led gold, silver, and copper to be chosen as money, not “fancy” or common consent. When princes debase money or issue imaginary money, they hurt the economy.
From Part 1: Production, Distribution, and Consumption. Narrated by Millian Quinteros.