> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://asterisk-1.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://asterisk-1.gitbook.io/docs/ast-tokenomics/token.md).

# Token

Introduction to AST tokenomics

$AST

<figure><img src="https://2532165770-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fy25FRrYFCED49YAvPbX2%2Fuploads%2FTxPicFqTPhFlokfCEGOs%2Fwp_02_ASTtoken.png?alt=media&amp;token=d29d419c-599e-4166-950d-822b49572bd1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can earn $AST tokens through farming or acquire them by swapping with other tokens.

In simple terms:

* To acquire AST, you need to provide liquidity and participate in farming.

### veAST

<figure><img src="https://2532165770-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fy25FRrYFCED49YAvPbX2%2Fuploads%2FQwUw5Yp6VzhMkLA6D2u3%2Fwp_03_veAST.png?alt=media&amp;token=e1d2f348-6c38-428c-b0eb-d841997c4226" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

veAST is a token obtained by locking $AST.

It is an NFT created as an ERC-721, and can be split, merged, and sold.

The longer the lock-up period for $AST, the more veAST can be received (up to 2 years).

In simple terms:&#x20;

* To obtain veAST, lock up your AST tokens.
* Use veAST to vote for your preferred token pairs if you wish to earn transaction fees, bribes, or rebases.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Can veAST only be used for voting?**

No, that's not the case. Unlike other protocols, the veAST in Asterisk is planned to have further utilities implemented. Please check out the [**AST pad**](/docs/future/ast-pad-launchpad.md) section for more information.
{% endhint %}

### astSecretkey (NFT)

<figure><img src="https://2532165770-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fy25FRrYFCED49YAvPbX2%2Fuploads%2FFPpulxEpkj6zdtjV7kux%2Fwp_04_astSecretkey.png?alt=media&amp;token=e1d6fe8d-6d03-4d61-8097-e0486e686f90" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

astSecretkey can be staked to earn a share of the revenue. The staking pool receives a portion of trading fees from Asterisk, as well as royalties from secondary sales of astSecretkey. Please refer to the [astSecretkey](/docs/astsecretkey-nft.md) section for more information.
