> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://deksa.gitbook.io/deksa-whitepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://deksa.gitbook.io/deksa-whitepaper/deksa/product/digital-token-masa/introduction.md). # Introduction **The $MASA Token** The $MASA token is a digital currency inspired by the ancient Javanese currency, the MASA coin. The MASA coin was made of gold and was used as a medium of exchange in the ancient Mataram Sultanate, which became the founding of the Karaton Surakarta Hadiningrat.

Original Ma Coin from ancient Mataram Sultanate

In the early days, barter was the primary means of trade. However, by the 9th century, gold and silver coins began to be used as a medium of exchange in the ancient Mataram era. The MASA coin was made of gold or silver and had a diameter of 9-10 mm. It was stamped with the Devanagari script "Ma", which is an abbreviation of the word "Masa". The back of the coin featured a "Cendana flower" pattern. The MASA coin was used as a medium of exchange for goods circulating in Central Java to East Java. It was also used as a medium of exchange for export and import activities between Javanese people and Chinese traders. The $MASA token is a modern recreation of the MASA coin that uses blockchain technology. The purpose of creating this token is to use it as a medium of exchange within the digital ecosystem of the Karaton Surakarta Hadiningrat, which will be developed in the future on a gradual basis.