These were truly precious metals in early times for they were found only in small quantities in a few localities.

They, therefore, were widely sought and highly valued as ornaments and for use as tools and weapons.

But as the great ancient nations emerged into history, these materials were already being displaced in large measure.

Their value fell greatly as a result of greater production due to somewhat regular mining.

As wealth grew, as trade increased, as the use of money developed, as commerce extended to more distant lands, the heavier, less precious metals failed to serve the growing monetary need, especially in the larger transactions.