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How Well Do You Know The Gold Standard?
Every few years, someone gets the brilliant idea that we should return to the gold standard. Test your knowledge of the ever-relevant issue.
START
True or False: The first minted coins were gold.
Coins from 7th-century BCE Lydia were of electrum, a gold-silver alloy.
NextWhich is NOT TRUE of the gold standard:
Large gold discoveries (e.g., California circa 1850) cause short-term price instability in currencies tied to gold standard
NextWhen did England officially switch from a silver to a gold standard?
Although made official in 1819, the process really started in 1717 when then master of the mint and gravity guy Sir Isaac Newton initiated the transition.
NextTrue or False: The gold standard requires increased interest rates when gold is scarce.
The effect on interest rates is one of the model's most oft-cited disadvantages.
NextWhen did America formally drop the gold standard?
When, President Nixon ended the dollar's convertibility to gold in 1971, it was intended as a temporary measure, but was adopted as permanent in 1976.
NextMany Republicans advocate a return to the gold standard as it gives:
Limiting the power of the central bank (i.e., the Federal Reserve System, or 'The Fed') is the crux of the argument favored by many GOP members.
NextFiat money--the gold standard's opposite--was invented where?
As far back as the 11th century BCE, fiat money (i.e., paper money not convertible to some other commodity) was in circulation in China.
NextWho has NOT advocated a return to the gold standard?
Unlikely GOP and ISIS overlap: they are both fans of the gold standard. ISIS propaganda claims the golden dinar will bring America "to her knees."
NextThis was not your finest hour. We're going to resist the urge to make a fool's gold joke and suggest you brush up on your gold standard history!
Pure gold! When it comes to the gold standard, you know your stuff.
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