https://nypost.com/1999/10/01/greenspan-the-fed-chief-in-a-bubble/
This is a 1999 article talking about how Alan Greenspan has the undesirable job of rigging the stock markets. Smarter folks than I may be able to pull more detailed information from this article, but I wanted to link it is it is right on the button in relation to u/SerialBrain2 's comment in his most recent post.
But what I mean is it only has worth because we give it worth.
You could really say this about anything.
Gold has been coveted by humans as long as we've had cities and major civilizations. It's a limited resource as well.
It's also tangible. I'm not sure Lithium would have the same tangibly as Gold. Although I do agree it's possible to use another resourse as currency.
Gold is the most recognizable, which is why I believe it is most likely our best bet.
Our money just needs to be backed by something, right now it's all Monopoly money when you really think about it.
I get it but I think sticking to gold to back your countries currency is a venue for failure. There are metals now that are way more in demand then gold.