Gold

Gold is one of the three primary resources, Status and Research being the other two.

Sources of Gold
The main sources of Gold are Collect and Treasure Hunt tokens, and to a lesser degree Encounter tokens (because they are usually less frequent). Discovery tokens also grant a small amount of Gold. Secrets can be upgraded to grant Gold as well.

Uses of Gold
The main use of Gold is the purchase of equipment in shops on the world map. There are up to five shop to unlock over the course of an expedition, one of which is only available through research.

On certain maps items can be bought with Gold while on an expedition.

Gold Expeditions
Saxon Kings, the Memphis desert and Egypt are heavily focused on Collect and Treasure Hunt tokens.