Why did most civilizations select gold and silver as their form of currency? Other than being pretty, was there another reason? Was there another type of currency used?

by badanas
geniice

In terms of other types there are a lot of copper alloy (bronze, potin) coins produced. Various iron bars (the greek obols british cetlic) appear to have been used as currency. Possibly derived from standardised ingots. Lead coins were issued in burma in the 19th century

Shell money seems to have been used in quite a few areas. The stone money of Yap is fairly well known. Cocos Islands used plastic money back in early 20th century. Pit rivers has what is claimd to be a blue glass coin from syria.

Quite a few other claims of things being used to make or as money have been made over the centuries but in the absense of good archological or anthropological evidence scepticism is called for.

Sources: Paul Einzig Primitive Money: In its Ethnological, Historical and Economic Aspects

Pit rivers museum.

Mictlantecuhtli

There's always room for discussion but perhaps the section Why was gold always considered so valuable? from our FAQ will answer your inquiry.