e-gold is an electronic currency, issued by e-gold Ltd., a Nevis corporation, 100% backed at all times by gold bullion in allocated storage.

Other e-metals are also issued: e-silver is 100% backed by silver, e-platinum is 100% backed by platinum, and e-palladium is 100% backed by palladium. However, the most popular e-metal (by an overwhelming margin) is e-gold.

BullionVault is an internet gold bullion exchange and physical storage provider, founded in 2005 by Paul Tustain. It is owned by Galmarley Limited and based in London, United Kingdom. Purchased gold is held in personally allocated storage with Via Mat International in either London, New York or Zurich depending on the client's preference. BullionVault's commission charges range from 0.8% to 0.02%, and its custody charge (or gold storage fee) is 0.12% per annum, with a $4 monthly minimum charge.

A brief historical look at gold prices and their peaks.