Legendary Gold Bulls from the Past (some will shock you!)

Gold has timeless appeal. It has functioned as a store of wealth and medium of exchange for centuries. While many investments today turn out to be fads or even frauds, gold has stood the test of time for preserving the hard-earned purchasing power of those who hold it in their hands. 

It has also served as a store of power for leaders throughout history. The most strategic minds from the past know the other “Golden Rule” – that is “He who has the gold makes the rules.” Gold has a very interesting past. You should always question why some people will  publicly downplay gold’s place in personal finance, yet hoard as much gold as they can for themselves and the treasuries they control. That other Golden Rule is probably why. 

Let’s look at just a few famous and powerful gold bulls throughout history – some will surprise you! 

Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1727) 

Sir Isaac Newton, known today as a mathematical genius, was also the Master of the Royal Mint in the early 18th century. Faced with a growing counterfeiting problem, Newton improved the artistry and detail work on coin designs, making them harder to forge. Thus, he played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the gold standard in England. Newton recognized gold’s importance in providing economic stability. His work helped establish a consistent and reliable currency backed by gold, which reinforced the metal’s status as a secure form of wealth. 

Adam Smith (1723–1790) 

The father of modern economics, Adam Smith, recognized the importance of gold as a store of value and as a form of money. In his seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, Smith discusses the role of gold and silver as “universal money” and the importance of these metals in facilitating trade and economic stability. 

John Maynard Keynes (1883–1946) 

Although John Maynard Keynes famously referred to the gold standard as a “barbarous relic,” which makes most people remember him as an enemy of gold, he actually also acknowledged gold’s historical role as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. His critique was more about the rigidity of the gold standard rather than gold itself. Even he understood gold’s appeal during times of economic uncertainty, though he bristled at the spending limits the gold standard necessarily imposed on governments. 

Winston Churchill (1874–1965) 

Winston Churchill, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 1920s, oversaw Britain’s return to the gold standard in 1925. Although this decision was controversial and eventually abandoned, it highlighted the widespread belief in gold’s role in ensuring monetary stability and confidence. 

Charles de Gaulle (1890–1970) 

Charles de Gaulle, the President of France, was a strong advocate for the use of gold as the basis for international monetary stability. In the 1960s, de Gaulle’s government repeatedly demanded gold in exchange for U.S. dollars, reflecting his belief that gold was the ultimate safeguard against monetary instability. 

Gold can still make your portfolio more powerful. 

We are living in historic times. As we watch the news unfold day-by-day, it rings true that history may not exactly repeat itself, but it does tend to rhyme.  

One of the best reasons to buy gold today is the same as yesterday. Gold is historically seen as a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation. Gold has been a reliable store of value during times of economic instability, currency devaluation, and high inflation.  

As central banks around the world continue to implement monetary policies that can lead to inflationary pressures, holding gold can act as a safeguard for your portfolio. It provides diversification, balance and a tangible asset that typically maintains its value even when other investments, such as stocks or bonds, may be underperforming. 

Additionally, gold’s intrinsic value is not tied to any specific currency or government, making it a global asset that can preserve purchasing power over the long term. This characteristic is particularly appealing in today’s environment, where geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties can significantly impact traditional financial markets.