It is interesting for sure. History does repeat itself.
The union of the two, Gold and Bitcoin, solve the problems of each other. Bitcoin is not perfectly anonymous, gold is. Bitcoin is not so great for point of sale where speed and reliability are higher concerns, nothing can beat specie there.
As you point out, gold/silver is horrible at long distance transaction. Shipping, and security are always problems there. This is where Bitcoin ourshines gold.
Together they fix each other, but they also have a lot in common. Their value does not depend on governments, they can't be inflated. You can use either independently, or exchange one for the other. So making specie that is easily exchangeable for bitcoin with real time values, and can also show the value in any other currency does a few things for us.
1) It conveys the value of bitcoin to the uninitiated.
2) Makes point-of-sale transactions easier
3) It is fun to see the look in someone's face when they see (and can touch) REAL money.