Gold prices have surged past US$5,000 an ounce for the first time, this as investors rush to the safe-haven metal amid growing concerns that the US is straining relations with key allies in Europe and Canada.
Gold has risen 15% in the first 26 days of the new year, building on a record-breaking 2025 when prices jumped 65%—the biggest annual gain since 1979.
Indeed, gold isn’t just for jewelry or pirate tales—it’s been a cornerstone of the global economy for centuries. Even today, central banks cling to hefty gold reserves, a testament to its enduring value. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, countries like the US tied their currencies to gold, creating a more stable and predictable financial system. By 1939, the US had amassed over 20,000 metric tons of gold, much of it secured in Fort Knox.
From ancient empires to modern central banks, gold has helped shape economies and build trust between nations. But to truly appreciate its cultural, economic, and historical value, you have to look at its long, glittering journey through time.
Click through the following gallery to uncover how this timeless treasure shaped the world.