People shouldn’t buy precious metals until their basic needs are met, but as we saw in the Biblical account of the plague in Egypt, the holocaust (The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom), and hyperinflation in Zimbabwe precious metals provide a level of preparedness that not everyone can achieve. While poor Syrian refugees are stuck in limbo those with means chartered flights directly to their destination of choice.

Chris, You are correct. It’s not that gold or silver doesn’t lose value, but that the actual value is associated with the value of commodities like oil, sugar, etc.. If we are short on cash now, so much more will we be after the shtf. If you can collect some silver and gold, (the metal, not the paper promises)all the better. But in a barter society, work and useful things will be as valuable as any metal or jewels.
So tools, knowledge, spare parts and homesteading type stuff will be the most sought after.
I am focused on buying inexpensive vintage tools and such that will work in a grid down scenario. Also, books, PAPER books…with useful knowledge Real History and classic stories. These will be better than gold…