metal silver

Precious metals retreated in the U.S. on Friday and ended lower around the world for the week as gold tracked opposite of the dollar's movement and the other metals followed the yellow metal.

Silver declined the most, with weekly losses of more than 7 percent. Gold was in the middle while platinum declined the least.

Crude oil also plunged more than 7 percent.

In stocks, major US indexes rose on Friday but ended mixed for the week. European indexes finished the week lower.

Silver was first used as currency over four thousand years ago and its name is synonymous with the true value that can only come from a real-world commodity.

Here we take a look at the history of this oldest of oldschool currencies, explore how it is used today and let you in on the basics of making silver your own personal hedge against inflation.