[Yo-Yo]

Not exactly rocket science to think that trading in paper like that, given the perilous state of the economy the world over, is a very dumb idea.

What do you get when you buy common stock? Keys to the front door of Boeing headquarters?

[Ronin]

I think I am looking at it from a different angle than you.

My thought was that the purpose of buying gold was to have something of tangible value that would retain value even if the world goes to crap around you. In that case, only the actual metal is going to be worth anything.

I guess if you are looking at it as a regular investment... something to make money on or at least hold value as long as the system stays intact, a bearer bond type paper is good enough.