Although gold is usually the source of intoxication, gambling, illicit sex and mercilessness, Srila Prabhupada has sometimes encouraged its use as a method of exchange in the present age. He wrote this in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.17.39: “Instead of paper currency, actual gold coins should be used for exchange, and this will stop prostitution of gold. Gold ornaments for women may be allowed by control, not by quality, but by quantity. This will discourage lust, envy and enmity. When there is actual gold currency in the form of coins, the influence of gold in producing falsity, prostitution, etc. will automatically cease. There will be no need of an anticorruption ministry for another term of prostitution and falsity of purpose.”
Prabhupada Recommended the ‘Gold Standard.’