Here’s another thought to add to the mix. Gold, salt, silver, wampum, paper - all used at one time or another as a medium of exchange and store of value - have no worth unless, plain, old-fashioned WORK is associated with them.
If no one ever accomplishes productive enterprise, what’s the use of money?
I don’t know about that; they are a medium of exchange - and probably paid for the world’s “oldest profession”...