Crypto Coin Vs Crypto Token
The term ‘crypto coin’ and ‘crypto token’ are often used interchangeably in the cryptocurrency space. At some point throughout our cryptocurrency voyage, many of us have likely mixed up a crypto token with a crypto coin.
Though they are quite similar in nature, there are actually several key differences between a crypto coin and a crypto token. The fundamental distinction between these two is their utility. You can accomplish things with tokens that you can't do with coins. Certain marketplaces, on the other hand, will only take coins rather than tokens. Sounds interesting? Well, read on to find out more about the differences between a crypto coin and a crypto token!
1. A Crypto Coin has a Standalone Blockchain, while a Crypto Token Lives on another Blockchain
Every cryptocurrency with its own, independent blockchain, which is a decentralized digital ledger that records all transactions related to the coin. These cryptocurrencies are built from the ground up, and the larger network is built with a specific objective in mind. Ripple, Litecoin, and Bitcoin are a few examples of crypto coins with their own blockchain.
On the other hand, a token does not have its own blockchain. A token is a special type of smart contract that allows individuals to design, distribute, and manage tokens that are extensions of the principal blockchain on platforms. The most popular blockchain platform for creating tokens is Ethereum, but other platforms like Binance Smart Chain and EOS can also be used.
2. A Crypto Coin is Digital Money, while a Crypto Token is not Necessarily Considered Digital Money
A digital coin is a sort of money or currency, which serves as both a value storage and a medium of trade. Similar to a traditional currency like USD, they can also serve other purposes depending on their specific features and use cases. However, they aren't overseen or distributed by a single entity like a government or bank.
A token, on the contrary, acts similarly to digital currencies, but with fewer capabilities. A crypto token is frequently used to crowdfund initiatives or to provide incentives for users within a specific blockchain ecosystem, and it may represent anything from a unit of worth to a utility or security token. For instance, businesses develop them, giving the owner the right to utilize the company's product or service in the future.
3. A Crypto Coin is Harder to Create, while a Crypto Token is Less Complicated and Easier to Create
The creation of digital currency is a time-consuming and capital-intensive procedure. It involves programmers, technology, funds, and planning. coins often require their own consensus mechanism and mining process, which can be complex to implement.
Conversely, anybody with a computer and anything to tokenize may produce tokens. The process of creating a token is easy. The necessary software is accessible on a variety of systems and does not require any complex programming. This explains why a token essentially requires less knowledge, time, and effort to create.
Examples of Crypto Coins
A few popular examples of coins in the cryptocurrency space are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Binance Coin (BNB), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), and Stellar Lumens (XLM).
Examples of Crypto Tokens
A few popular examples of tokens in the cryptocurrency space are Chainlink (LINK), Tether (USDT), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Maker (MKR), Status (SNT), and Basic Attention Token (BAT).
Similarities Between a Crypto Coin and a Crypto Token?
While there are some notable distinctions between coins and tokens, there are also a few similarities.
For instance, both coins and tokens can both be purchased and sold on cryptocurrency exchange platforms, enabling users to swap them for other digital assets or fiat money. They both also require blockchain technology to operate. A decentralized, private digital ledger that tracks all activities involving the currency or token is provided by the blockchain.
Both coins and tokens are certainly worth exploring even though they serve different purposes. Overall, tokens are digital assets created on top of an existing blockchain with a variety of functions, such as representing ownership or facilitating transactions, whereas crypto coins are native digital currencies that operate decentralized from any centralized authority.
Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Flipster makes no recommendations or guarantees in respect of any digital asset, product, or service. Trading digital assets and digital asset derivatives comes with significant risk of loss due to its high price volatility, and is not suitable for all investors.