Historical records back to the 17th century
To aid further research by scholars, journalists and all those interested in gold’s monetary role, the World Gold Council commissioned a compilation of extracts from key historical documents from 1660 to 1999.
Citations are provided for every source so as to facilitate the reader's further research. These documents are therefore a valuable resource for researchers who seek even more in-depth knowledge of the history of gold.
Approximately 150 documents are divided into three sections that correspond roughly with the changing position of gold in the international economic system: