# Introduction

## What is SHELL?

[**SHELL**](/glossary.md#shell) is the utility token of the Acki Nacki network ([ECC](/glossary.md#extra-currency-collection) index 2), designed to compensate [NACKL](/glossary.md#nackl) holders for the computing resources the network provides. It can be converted to [VMSHELL](/glossary.md#vmshell) to cover network fees at a 1:1 ratio (reverse conversion is not possible). It can be freely transferred between different [Dapp IDs](/glossary.md#dapp-id).

## Fixed Exchange Rate

The SHELL exchange rate is fixed and the same for all participants:

> **1 USDC = 100 SHELL**

This rate never changes and is independent of market conditions. When buying, you always receive exactly 100 SHELL for every USDC spent. When selling, you always receive exactly 1 USDC for every 100 SHELL.

## Two Ways to Buy SHELL

| Method            | Application                                       | Payment                            | Speed                       |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| Cryptocurrency    | [Shell Buyer App](https://shellbuy.ackinax.com/)  | Visa, Mastercard, USDT, USDC, etc. | Depends on payment provider |
| ECC USDC directly | [Acki Nacki Wallet](https://ackinacki.com/wallet) | ECC USDC (network-native currency) | Instant                     |

## Selling SHELL

Selling SHELL is done exclusively through the **Acki Nacki Wallet**. You place an order (lots), and when a buyer comes along, your lots are sold automatically on a first-come-first-served (FIFO) basis. Learn more in [How to Sell SHELL](/for-users/buy-sell-shell/selling-shell/how-to-sell-shell.md#prerequisites).

## What's Next?

If you're just getting started with SHELL, we recommend reading [Key Concepts](/for-users/buy-sell-shell/key-concepts.md) first, then proceeding to the relevant buying or selling section.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.ackinacki.com/for-users/buy-sell-shell/introduction.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.