[danielbarla]

Sure, but this is based on the idea that the innate uses and value of gold would be similar (or "relatively high") after such a transformation of the world. This is not clear to me at all, compared to say, a similar wealth invested into a large cache of firearms and ammo. Or whatever will happen to be useful, depending on the scenario.

It reminds me of an anecdote from my grandfather from the end of WW2, people were giving away gold rings for loaves of bread. (Clearly, only when in desperate need, but it did happen.)

[lotsofpulp]

Firearms and ammo are a necessity, but one person/small tribe can only defend against so many others. What you really need is a community (or bigger tribe) that will come to your aid, and the community will need to be able to trade between themselves and others, which is where gold comes in.