Gold has generally increased in value over the last 50 years. While there have been fluctuations in the price of gold over time, the overall trend has been upward. For example, in 1971, the price of gold was around $40 per ounce, while as of September 2021, the price of gold was around $1,750 per ounce, representing a significant increase in value over the past 50 years.

It's worth noting that the value of gold can be affected by various economic and geopolitical factors, such as inflation, interest rates, and political instability. As a result, the price of gold can be volatile, and it's essential to consider long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations when assessing the value of gold as an investment.