Mega Star Grid: Universal Economy
The economy of Mega Star Grid revolves around Credits. Each Credit is backed by 1kg of Astria, which is stored in vaults that are managed by the Astrium Reserve Authority (ARA). All Astria is minted from the refined ingots of a rare alloy known as Astrium. Astrium is indestructible and impossible to synthesize using common tools and methods. There is currently no public documentation of it's melting or freezing point, making it the perfect material for currency. The ARA is the only institution that holds the knowledge for refining and shaping Astrium into any form factor needed to represent the required weight and density in physical currency. What is public knowledge, is that there is no Astrium lost when being reshaped, adding to it's value compared to other precious metals such as gold or silver.
The ARA controls the physical supply that is distributed, this prevents fluctuation in the value in order to ensure that each Credit will always maintain the guaranteed equivalency of 1kg of Astria. It's buying power has been proven stable long before Mega Star Grid split into four distinct networks, whereas other forms of currency; gold or assumed value, did not hold as much value in certain regions than others. What's great about Astria is that users can withdrawal physical Astria from an ARA affiliated bank. All it takes is a visit to Mega Star Grid East, and the equivalent amount of credits will be removed from circulation. Most prefer that their currency remain digitally accounted for as theft is nearly impossible unless coerced or scammed.
The ARA only tracks the amount of Credits transferred, but cannot monitor what each Credit is used for. Do to the Transaction Transparency Act, if a user is scammed or forced to give up their credits, there is no way a report can be used to recuperate losses accrued unless there is irrefutable proof of the crime. If a user wishes to take out a physical amount of Astria, the ARA is absolved of all accountability. It will be the sole responsibility of the holder of the Astria. Lost or stolen Astria will not be replaced. Credits can be used by any legally registered individual within the Mega Star Grid System. Unincorporated planets within any of the four Mega Star Grid Networks can apply to be included in the ARA economy, which includes several economical stimulus packages for first time registrars.
Non-ARA Economies still use bartering systems, local currencies, and other commodities; particularly black markets or civilizations that have not been exposed to life beyond their atmosphere. Credits are completely ignored in these places, but Astria will sometimes double in value if bartered with correctly.