Paper Versus Physical and the GSR
The value of the Star Money can change. A primary benchmark is called the Gold Silver Ratio or GSR. It conveys how many ounces of silver it takes to buy an ounce of gold. Note that these prices are ‘spot’ prices and it represents the paper trading price.
Prices for actual delivery of the Star Money carry a premium. Actual delivery is known as EFP or Exchange For Physical. The premium depends on the market location and availability of the metal. The premium also depends on the size of the minting of the metal.
There is a certain fixed cost to mint a coin or bar (more for a coin due to the detail). The variable cost is the amount of metal. This is why there is more of a cost to buy a 1/10th ounce gold coin. It is not the spot price divided by 10. The premium seems higher because it contains less metal. The fixed cost to produce the coin remains the same. This premium is the ‘price’ to be able to transact with a smaller amount which makes the coin more trade-able for the minting companies.
I suspect as Star Money becomes available as legal tender in more US States and across the world, that the premiums for smaller coins will decrease as more coins are produced.