[MattyRad]

The features you just described are equally applicable to different kinds of metals/alloys. Arguably, other metals have even more practical applications. Why shouldn't those be more valuable than gold? In addition, the practical applications of gold you've just listed are, I expect, not what gold is normally used for. Economies, hopefully, aren't defined by whether their currency can make space equipment or electronics (especially since those are modern developments that predate the value in gold). So while what you've just said is true, it still doesn't fully answer the question.

[brownbat]

> In addition, the practical applications of gold you've just listed are, I expect, not what gold is normally used for.

Exactly. Several countries have kept a reserve of gold for centuries, but probably not out of a fear that they will suddenly need a bunch of ductile metal.