On. Yu. Mamedov. Modern economics (№ 464630)

For a very long time, money was made of noble metals (gold and silver), which nature, as if specially created for this role. The physical properties of precious metals (homogeneity, strength, intrinsic value) ideally met the requirements for a monetary commodity. But, as soon as gold established itself in the role of money, it turned out that it did not necessarily have to participate in circulation, but could be replaced by any of its representatives.