"When gold speaks, the world falls silent," said the ancient Romans. Gold is money and nothing else, declared the US banker J. P. Morgan. One thing is certain: gold coins have always been in demand and have a rich history. Often, they themselves have a tumultuous past. In this book, experienced coin collector and expert author René Frank opens exemplary chapters of European monetary history and presents outstanding gold coins with great knowledge. Starting in the 13th century, he outlines the development of the first late medieval gold coins, particularly highlighting the beautiful Saluto d'oro. The journey through time continues with the coinages in England and Great Britain from 1663. Guinea and Sovereign, which is still minted today, have influenced international coinage for centuries and are therefore presented in all their variations.