Beauty - Precious metals are used as jewelry, for table settings and in many other decorative ways. They are used in a multitude of industrial and technological applications. Modern civilization as we know it today would not be possible if it were not for the existence of precious metals. Rarity - Precious metals are extremely scarce relative to most other elements that occur in nature. Portability - Considerable value can be transported in a briefcase, suitcase, etc.
Precious metal is, in and of itself, naturally valuable.
No other elements known to man manifest all the characteristics in combination, and it is for this reason that mankind has always considered these metals precious. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of precious metal investment vehicle, and the answer to this question can be complex. The crux of the answer rests with the investment objectives and risk tolerance of the investor. There is no single, correct answer. Physical precious metal bullion is inherently valuable and represents the only asset class that is not someone else's liability.