In times of inflation, investors have traditionally wanted to own gold and real estate.

Gold coins are a common way of owning gold.

Many financial planners encourage owning gold even when they expect and hope that it will lose value.

"The biggest reason to own gold is absent from the picture."

"I've never owned gold in 22 years of managing money," he said.

Who will own the natural resources, the oil, gold, diamonds and timber, and control their marketing?

Investors who want to own gold, either as a hedge or for potential appreciation, have a lot of homework to do.

I own gold and beans and nine buffalo horns full of watermelon seeds.

Not long ago you could have been prosecuted for owning gold.

In addition, China appears to be moving toward allowing individuals to own and trade gold, a change that could easily increase demand and lift the price.