Universal currency is information-based, rendering human fiat currency a "laughable crutch" and a form of fraud that is abhorrent to advanced species because its transitory value is derived merely from national edict and deceptive financial manipulation. To participate in the interstellar economy and liberate themselves from exploitation, humans must develop a decentralized, algorithmic currency—similar to an upgraded Bitcoin—that "folds" unique human knowledge, art, and creative information into its structure, or adopt a system backed by tangible universal commodities like Helium-3. Gold, silver, and gems are plentiful throughout the cosmos (found on asteroids and other planets), meaning they possess no "shine" or trading power in a mature interstellar market.