As you look back through history, there has been a common theme amongst nations that devalue their currency by replacing it with junk. Notify me of new posts via email. April 13, at am. What happened next? The company also makes electrode wire , cupric pesticides, cathodes and more, industry-critical products that are profitable even during periods when copper itself has been less so. Gold and silver cost and 5 times more than copper, respectively. Partner Links.