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Gold-Backed vs Owning Gold

Gold-Backed vs Owning Gold | Lessons from Zimbabwe’s ZiG Currency Collapse

November 13, 2024742 view(s)

 

Many times people talk about having a “gold-backed” currency, as a way to combat a dollar that loses value over time.  But this month we have another example in the news that illustrates why owning gold directly is often a better hedge against currency devaluation.

 

Six months ago, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe began issuing and using a gold-backed currency called the “ZiG” (short for Zimbabwe Gold), to help break away from using the Dollar for most transactions.


With gold making new records this year against the dollar, the ZiG should be appreciating against the dollar.  Instead, it has lost half of it’s value.  How could this be, and what does this mean for those of us living in the dollar universe?

 

Regardless of what a currency is “backed” by, it is only as trustworthy as those managing the supposed backing, and the willing of the populace to trust the managers.  This confidence has already been eroded.  While the official value of the ZiG is 50% lower in dollar terms, the black market rate experienced on the streets of Zimbabwe has devalued the ZiG by 70-80%.

 

As Americans we should take heed, and use the current buying power of the dollar to purchase gold directly for the long haul. Owning gold is a better hedge against devaluation than any “gold-backed” currency.


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The U.S. Gold Bureau is a trusted partner for investors navigating the complexities of currency devaluation and wealth preservation. As you consider adding precious metals to your portfolio, the U.S. Gold Bureau offers tailored insights and resources to support your investment goals. Safeguard your assets with the stability of precious metals—contact us today at (877)-671-3145 to explore how gold and silver can help protect your financial future.

 

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