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If you'd held gold instead of dollars starting in September 2000, from your perspective crude oil today would actually be 5% cheaper than it was then --- rather than 50% more expensive. The euro would be 4% cheaper, rather than 52% stronger.

If you decide owning some gold is right for you, the easiest way buy it is through an exchange traded fund (ETF). The two available are iShares' Comex Gold (IAU) and StreetTracks Gold Shares (GLD). A share of either one represents a claim of 1/10 of an ounce of gold.

If you want the tactile sensation of stacking your krugerrands or maples you can certainly head to a reputable dealer. But ETFs are the quickest, most convenient method of adding a little of the "barbaric relic" to your diversified portfolio.