Planned Intergalactic Currency Already Used in Sci-Fi Universes

The stuff of science fiction sometimes becomes reality in a much shorter time than people would expect. With PayPal announcing the intent to form an intergalactic currency, here’s a look back at currency used in science fiction movies and books.
Planned Intergalactic Currency Already Used in Sci-Fi Universes
(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Zachary Stieber
6/27/2013
Updated:
7/18/2015

The stuff of science fiction sometimes becomes reality in a much shorter time than people would expect. With PayPal announcing the intent to form an intergalactic currency, here’s a look back at currency used in science fiction movies and books.

Star Wars

The Galactic credit standard is the main currency in the Star Wars universe. The physical form resembles a metallic plate with varying patterns, while imperial credits come in a range of increments, from 0.1 to 5,000.

Star Trek

Many different people’s use space currency in the renowned Star Trek lore, including Federation credit (United Federation of Planets); Darsek (Klingons); and Quatloo (Triskelion). 

Babylon 5

The Earth Alliance uses Credit Chit, an electronic system, in this universe, while other groups use different currencies, including Grull (Brakiri Syndicracy, physical form is coins); Tok (Drazi Freehold, small round gems); and Galot (Markab Confederacy, square metal coins in a variety of colors). 

Battlestar Galactica

Cubit is used throughout the 12 colonies and resembles small metallic plates. 

Serenity and Firefly

Two forms of currency, Platinum and Credit is used. They come in paper and digital forms, and money is all traceable and basically impossible to conterfeit. Precious metals are, on the other hand, not traceable, so these are used solely in the black market.