Yes, agreed - it’s about control, no argument there. But it’s precisely because of that, any hint of outright property confiscation is just an admission that they have lost control. Sort of like the Navy commandeering everybodys canoe.
Forget it. The PR would be atrocious. First thing, somebody better shut down the US Mint, because that’s who is selling in large part. No, there would be many unintended consequences to such a move and would sever any trust that is left. Remember in the 1930s there was a far greater
respect for government, and the gold recall was assumed to be a temporary emergency act. So many things have turned out so badly, that is why the Roosevelt action was a one time deal in practical terms. The government obligations to creditors is so large that even foreign central bank gold payments were reneged upon 40 years ago. Even Social Security trust fund was absconded with into the general fund at that time.
Do the math, and it becomes clear, never mind the rest.
It is also an act that is designed to demonstrate they are asserting control. Arguably much of EPA and federal land regulations are de facto property confiscation. It's simply that much of the people haven't realized that is what it is. And a significant portion of our citizenry is in favor of confiscation. Class warfare is alive, well and still effective.
Nonetheless, there is ample evidence that the government has developed an unhealthy interest in who buys and owns bullion. You and I can argue what the government "intends" to do what that information. But there is no debate what it "can" do with that information, should it choose to do so.
The government's interest in tracking gold and silver purchases is no more benign that its interest in gun purchases. Information is power and they are striving to get as much as possible on each and every one of us.
I'm am becoming convinced that potential unintended consequences is no deterrent to loony fascists. And at crunch time, those in power will probably consider loss of trust to be a worthwhile price to pay for keeping power.
Also, I believe you may be falling into the same logic trap that most of us reasoning people fall into. That is, being rational beings ourselves, we try to ascribe to our adversaries rational thought processes for what is in reality, irrational behavior. You and I aren't interested in controlling every aspect of everyone else's behavior and life. These people are. That's their goal.
If there is a collapse of paper currency, these people may well consider it to their benefit to confiscate gold and silver. And the consequences be damned.