Back in the olden days they used gold as a form of currency. Gold bars and gold coins were used to buy and sell commodities until it got replaced by the convertible paper currencies we know today. Gold has also always been associated with wealth and power. Back in ancient Egypt and other such ancient empires rulers were decked in gold and so were their palaces. Gold artifacts and gold jars can be found among the riches inside a palace. In not so ancient Europe crowns and tiaras were made of gold as well. Gold was so important in the olden days that kings sent expeditions all over the world to search for gold. By searching for gold they would enrich their kingdoms even more and gain more power. Whoever had the gold had power. Lastly gold has always been seen as the "standard." Every time we enter competitions we always aim for the "gold" medal.