I know people out there who have invested a lot in gold under the belief that in the event of like complete societal collapse or hyperinflation, they could use it for purchasing.
I have the hunch it’s a scam, but I haven’t learned enough monetary theory, business, or economics to understand why.
I’ve seen the assertion that silver is a safer bet than gold. Less glitzy, but still precious and with more industrial uses.
Of course, if civilisation collapses completely, neither will matter unless someone will trade you something for your krugerrands.
Worth less so harder to carry large amounts of capital.