Indeed it's a worrying prospect. However, the people have evolved mentally since those days, awareness and communication are a far cry from what they used to be. If governments even dare to confiscate gold and silver, it will be their downfall. Another important thing is that since the gold standard was abolished, governments don't consider gold/silver as money anymore, so they have no reason to confiscate them. If we return to the gold standard, than they might confiscate in another time of crisis, i.e. a future plan to re-abolish it again lol.