Fiat money is a government-issued currency that is not backed by a physical commodity, such as gold or silver. Read more about dollars, euros, and other fiat money. more
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of gold standard vs. fiat money is essential to making informed investment decisions based on current market activity. What Is the Gold Standard? The gold standard links the value of a currency to a physical commodity—gold—creating an international standard that allows countries to trade with each other. The gold standard was the monetary exchange method used by several countries, but because of its fewer benefits, the method is now changed to paper currency. Some countries still have some gold reserves, but the whole world is now using paper currency or fiat money policies to form equality. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Money is anything that serves as a medium of exchange. A medium of exchange is anything that is widely accepted as a means of payment. In Romania under Communist Party rule in the 1980s, for example, Kent cigarettes served as a medium of exchange; the fact that they could be exchanged for other goods and services made them money. .