[weswood]

I don't think steel will become more valuable. With all the useless machines- cars, trucks, heavy equipment- useless without sufficient fuel or power to run them, and damaged/destroyed buildings built with steel girders, steel would actually become cheaper. Someone who can work the steel without power tools, now thats a rarity.

I think gold, and other precious metals, and gems will be pretty much useless outside of surviving major cities. As its been said, you can't eat gold or diamonds.

I think small arms ammo will become more valuable than gold. Even with a .22 you can kill a rabbit and have a meal.