This article contains affiliate links which means we receive compensation if you purchase a product through them. Visit our disclosure page for more information.
The idea behind cryptocurrency is to provide a separate currency from the economy. It started with bitcoin in the late 2000s, and this was a rousing success. It was seen as a solid investment, providing a way to hold assets without fear of a market crash. During the recession, this was seen as a lifeboat to many. However, nothing could last forever, and bitcoin collapsed shortly after the recession ended.
This gap in the market led to other companies filling the market with their own brand of cryptocurrency, each one offering something slightly different. What’s more, bitcoin remerged once more to become the most popular cryptocurrency brand. So, what is the main difference between all of these currencies, and what can they offer you?
Find out how some cryptocurrencies differ from each other. Learn about their key features and what sets them apart!Click To TweetTYPES OF CRYPTOCURRENCY COINS
Ethereum Gas
Ethereum was one of the first cryptocurrencies to spring up in bitcoins wake, and it hit the market in 2015. This type of crypto kept most of the staples of bitcoin. It was still separate from the local economy and its value still changed with its price on the stock market. The main difference with Ethereum is how its blockchain works.
A blockchain monitors every transaction on that crypto network to track transactions and detect fraud.
With Ethereum, each transaction made on the blockchain is called gas, and you have to pay a fee every time you use it. This means that many Ethereum users must find out when ETH gas prices are lowest before committing to a transaction. Sites like Paxful can tell you when ETH prices are the lowest, but you might have to wait for a while before you can use your Ethereum.
Litecoin Distribution
Another thing that rarely changes between cryptocurrencies is how they are obtained. Many mainstream cryptocurrencies are mined using sophisticated software related to the type of currency you wish to receive. Once mined, these coins are then distributed and sold into the market.
Each crypto has a specific amount of coins that can be distributed at any one time. For example, Bitcoin has a cap of twenty-one million coins. However, Litecoin far exceeds this amount as it can distribute up to eighty-four million coins at once.
Unfortunately, this does mean that there is less demand for Litecoin, which means its prices will be lower. You can invest and sell Litecoin. It just won’t have a very high value because of its high distribution.
Polkadot Proof System
A vital part of any cryptocurrency is verifying every transaction. Part of this comes from the blockchain; however, the main thing to look at to find a difference between currencies is the verification protocols.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies use miners to solve equations to verify the existence of their coins. Polkadot is a different type of crypto that uses a proof of stake scheme instead. This type of verification validates its coins by the quantity of DOT, which is its stock price. Both currencies will fluctuate in value but for two different reasons.
NFT’s
NFT stands for non-fungible token. This token is a type of cryptocurrency in itself; however, it works very differently from other altcoin versions.
An NFT is comprised of a digital image, one made by a single individual. This individual claims ownership over the NFT they have created, and it cannot be copied under any circumstance.
It can be reprinted, but it will not have any value. Only the original copy is worth money. This worth comes from the power of its creator. An artist or celebrity will place more stock on an NFT than a random graphic designer.
As you can see, this is a unique style of cryptocurrency. It is a lot more complex and gains interest from a particular crowd. You won’t find many people trading in NFTs as you do cryptocurrency brands.
Cardano
Cardano is one of the more recent additions to the crypto market and was established in 2017. The main selling point of Cardano over Bitcoin is its speed. The Cardano blockchain can be mined in local sectors, giving people a stake in their area.
The Cardano cryptocurrency finds its worth with investors rather than being mined out to everyone. People who mine more of this currency will find that the stock of their profile has increased, making them more desirable to trade with.
As a result, Cardano is a more competitive type of cryptocurrency, making it a more secure network as only those already invested can join.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency is always going to look confusing on the outside. However, by reading this article or getting involved yourself, you will learn about all of the subtle differences between currencies. The differences are important to understand if you wish to become a successful investor, so this article should have given you the head start that you need.
Do you have any experience with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
Will Moving to a New Place Help My Depression? The Answer is More Complicated than You Think
I definitely don’t get the crypto craze, but to each their own 🤷♂️
Cryptocurrencies intrigue us but we haven’t fully jumped on the train quite yet
Cryptocurrency has always been one big mystery to me. Thank you for the helpful explanations!
You’re welcome! I think cryptocurrencies are a mystery to most of us