What defines a Gold Standard monetary system?

A Gold Standard monetary system is characterized by having paper money and coins that are directly tied to a specific value of gold. This means that currency can be exchanged for a predetermined amount of gold, establishing a fixed relationship between the currency and gold.

This type of system ensures stability in prices since the amount of money that can be circulated is limited by the amount of gold held in reserve. As a result, it helps to control inflation and provides confidence to investors and consumers that the value of their currency is backed by a tangible asset. The predictability of the Gold Standard fosters international trade by creating a consistent and reliable basis for currency exchange between nations.

In contrast, the other options describe monetary systems that either lack a direct tie to gold or involve different mechanisms for determining value, which do not reflect the foundational principles of the Gold Standard.