As a medium of exchange after a true "collapse," gold will pretty much be worth the same as dollars.
Gold has always had its value. Think Egyptian Empire, Greek Empire, Roman Empire...
True you can't eat it but it has stood the test of time as a medium of exchange. Silver too, although to a lesser extent.
Would I put all my money into metals? No, but diversification is the key. If I had to choose I'd choose the gun over gold but once all the essentials are taken care of I would buy metals.
For me it would be: 1) God, 2) Grains, 3) Guns, 4) Ground, 5) Gold
Unfortunately I don't see "ground" ever being possible for me due to family issues so I have to settle for the other 4.
One piece of advice if you're YOUNG - start saving up for a land purchase as soon as you start earning money so when you are able you already have a nest egg to put towards its purchase.
Marsha