Crypto Basics

What are the Types of Cryptocurrency and How Do They Work?

Explore the various types of cryptocurrencies and gain a deep understanding of their underlying technologies and functions.
S. Vishwa
8 Minutes
MIN

Cryptocurrencies have taken the financial world by storm, offering a decentralized and secure means of transacting in the digital economy. 

Since Bitcoin emerged in 2009, the crypto space has witnessed an explosion of new digital assets, each with unique features and use cases.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various types of cryptocurrency, shedding light on the differences between coins and tokens, exploring the concept of altcoins, and providing insights into the top 10 cryptocurrencies in 2023. So, let's embark on this exciting journey through digital assets.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that utilizes cryptographic technology to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. 

Unlike traditional fiat currencies issued by central banks, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks called blockchains. These blockchains serve as public ledgers, recording every transaction and ensuring transparency and immutability.

How Many Cryptocurrencies are There?

The cryptocurrency market has experienced exponential growth since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009. 

As of today, there are approximately 22,932 cryptocurrencies in existence, with a total market capitalization of around $1.3 trillion. This diverse range of digital assets offers investors a wide array of options.

Types of Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies can be broadly categorized into two main types: crypto coins and tokens. While both coins and tokens are digital assets, they differ in their underlying infrastructure and functionality.

Crypto Coins

Crypto coins, also known as cryptocurrencies, are digital currencies that operate on their independent blockchains. The most well-known example of a crypto coin is Bitcoin (BTC), the first cryptocurrency to be created.

Coins like Bitcoin are designed to function as a medium of exchange and store of value. They can be used for peer-to-peer transactions as well as for investment purposes.

Other popular coins include Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Each of these coins has unique features and use cases, contributing to the diversity of the cryptocurrency landscape.

Crypto Tokens

Tokens, on the other hand, are digital assets that are built on existing blockchains, such as Ethereum. Unlike coins, tokens do not have their independent blockchain. Instead, they leverage the infrastructure of an existing blockchain to enable various functionalities.

Tokens can serve various purposes, including granting access to a specific application or platform, representing ownership of an asset, or facilitating transactions within a decentralized ecosystem. Examples of tokens include ERC-20 tokens on the Ethereum network, such as Tether (USDT) and Chainlink (LINK).

Crypto Coins vs Tokens

The distinction between crypto coins and tokens lies in their infrastructure and functionality. While both coins and tokens are digital assets, coins like Bitcoin operate on their independent blockchains, while tokens are built on existing blockchains.

Crypto coins, such as Bitcoin, are primarily used as a medium of exchange and store of value. They are designed to function as standalone currencies, allowing users to transact directly with one another without the need for intermediaries.

Tokens, on the other hand, have a broader range of use cases. They can represent ownership of assets, grant access to specific applications or services, or facilitate transactions within decentralized ecosystems. 

Tokens leverage the security and infrastructure provided by existing blockchains, enabling developers to build innovative decentralized applications.

What are Altcoins?

Altcoins, short for alternative coins, refer to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Initially, altcoins emerged as alternatives to Bitcoin, seeking to address certain limitations or introduce new features. However, the term "altcoin" has evolved to encompass a wide range of digital assets, each with its own unique characteristics and use cases.

The world of altcoins is vast and diverse, with thousands of cryptocurrencies vying for attention. Some of the most prominent altcoins include Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), and Binance Coin (BNB). These altcoins have gained popularity due to their unique features, such as smart contract functionality, fast transaction speeds, and enhanced privacy.

Top 10 Cryptocurrencies in 2023

The cryptocurrency market is highly dynamic, with the rankings of cryptocurrencies constantly changing. However, as of 2023, the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization include:

  • Bitcoin (BTC): The pioneer and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin continues to dominate the market with its large user base and robust infrastructure.
  • Ethereum (ETH): Known for its smart contract functionality, Ethereum has established itself as a leading platform for decentralized applications (DApps) with a vibrant ecosystem of developers and users.
  • Tether (USDT): Tether is a stablecoin designed to maintain a value pegged to the U.S. dollar. It provides stability in the volatile cryptocurrency market, enabling users to transact with a digital asset that closely mirrors the value of fiat currency.
  • Binance Coin (BNB): Binance Coin is the native cryptocurrency of the Binance exchange, offering utility within the platform and serving as a means of reducing transaction fees for users.
  • USD Coin (USDC): USD Coin is another stable coin that provides a digital representation of the U.S. dollar. It offers the benefits of digital assets while maintaining a stable value.
  • Ripple (XRP): Ripple aims to revolutionize cross-border payments by facilitating fast and low-cost transactions. It has partnered with numerous financial institutions, making it a prominent player in the remittance industry.
  • Cardano (ADA): Cardano is a blockchain platform that aims to provide a secure and scalable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts.
  • Solana (SOL): Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform designed for decentralized applications and cryptocurrency trading. It boasts fast transaction speeds and low fees, making it attractive to developers and users.
  • Terra (LUNA): Terra is a blockchain platform focusing on stablecoins and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. It aims to provide a stable and scalable infrastructure for global payments and financial services.
  • Avalanche (AVAX): Avalanche is a platform that enables the creation of decentralized applications and the issuance of digital assets. It focuses on scalability, security, and interoperability, making it a promising player in the blockchain ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are some popular tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain?

Some popular tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain include Tether (USDT), Chainlink (LINK), and Uniswap (UNI). These tokens leverage the infrastructure provided by Ethereum to enable various functionalities, such as facilitating transactions, granting access to applications, and representing ownership of assets.

Q2. What sets Bitcoin apart from other cryptocurrencies?

Bitcoin, as the first cryptocurrency, has established itself as the most widely recognized and valuable digital asset. It operates on its blockchain and has a large and active user base.

Bitcoin's decentralized and transparent nature, along with its limited supply and scarcity, contributes to its unique position in the cryptocurrency market.

Q3. How do cryptocurrencies work?

Cryptocurrencies utilize cryptographic technology to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Transactions are recorded on a decentralized public ledger called a blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability.

Users can transact directly with one another without the need for intermediaries, thanks to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.

Q4. Can cryptocurrencies be used for everyday transactions?

Yes, cryptocurrencies can be used for everyday transactions, although their adoption as a mainstream medium of exchange is still limited. Some merchants and online platforms accept cryptocurrencies as payment.

However, factors such as transaction fees, scalability, and regulatory considerations currently pose challenges to widespread cryptocurrency adoption for everyday transactions.

Q5. What is the future of cryptocurrencies?

The future of cryptocurrencies is highly speculative and subject to various factors, including regulatory developments, technological advancements, and market dynamics.

While cryptocurrencies have gained significant attention and adoption, their long-term viability and impact on the global financial system remain uncertain.

Continued innovation, regulatory clarity, and increased mainstream acceptance could shape the future of cryptocurrencies.

Q6. How are new cryptocurrencies created?

New cryptocurrencies can be created through a process called cryptocurrency mining or through initial coin offerings (ICOs) or token sales. Cryptocurrency mining involves using computational power to solve complex mathematical problems, validating transactions, and adding them to the blockchain.

ICOs and token sales, on the other hand, involve the issuance and sale of new digital tokens to raise funds for specific projects or platforms.

Q7. Are cryptocurrencies anonymous?

While cryptocurrencies offer pseudonymity, meaning that transactions are linked to cryptographic addresses rather than real-world identities, they are not entirely anonymous.

Blockchain analysis techniques can be used to track and analyze transactions, linking them to individuals or entities. Privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, such as Monero and Zcash, offer enhanced privacy features, but they are not entirely anonymous.

Q8. What is the role of blockchain technology in cryptocurrencies?

Blockchain technology forms the foundation of cryptocurrencies. It is a decentralized and distributed ledger that records all transactions in a transparent and immutable manner.

Blockchain technology enables trustless transactions, eliminates the need for intermediaries, and ensures the security and integrity of cryptocurrency networks.

Q9. How can I safely store cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are stored in digital wallets, which can be software-based (online or offline) or hardware-based (physical devices). 

It is essential to choose a reputable wallet provider and follow best security practices, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping backups of your wallet's private keys. Hardware wallets, such as Ledger and Trezor, offer enhanced security by storing private keys offline.

Conclusion

The world of cryptocurrencies is vast and diverse, offering many options for investors and users alike. From coins to tokens and altcoins, each type of cryptocurrency brings its unique features and use cases to the table. 

As the market continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed, conduct thorough research, and exercise caution when investing in cryptocurrencies. 

By understanding the different types of cryptocurrencies and their underlying technologies, you can navigate this exciting digital landscape with confidence.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Andrena and the Rise of DePIN: Decentralized Internet in 2025

Token Metrics Team
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Introduction:
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) are rapidly emerging as one of the most transformative sectors in the blockchain space. In 2025, projects like Andrena are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by bridging real-world hardware with decentralized protocols. This blog takes a closer look at the DePIN thesis, Andrena’s approach, and why this project is on the radar of top investors and analysts.

What Is DePIN?

DePIN stands for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks. It refers to blockchain-powered networks that coordinate real-world infrastructure using token-based incentives. Use cases include:

  • Wireless internet (e.g., Helium)
  • Sensor networks (e.g., WeatherXM)
  • Storage and compute (e.g., Filecoin, Akash, Arweave)
  • Energy grids (e.g., PowerPod)

In short, DePINs decentralize infrastructure deployment and management using blockchain-based coordination tools.

Why DePIN Matters in 2025

  1. Infrastructure Gaps: Billions remain unconnected to the internet or lack access to basic digital services. DePINs offer a way to close these gaps without reliance on centralized telecoms.
  2. Token Incentives for Network Participation: Hardware operators are rewarded for contributing bandwidth, compute, or coverage—creating a new economic model.
  3. Real-World Utility: Unlike speculative tokens, DePIN projects often provide visible, tangible value from day one.

Introducing Andrena: The Helium of the Internet?

Andrena is a DePIN project building a decentralized internet backbone through a combination of physical devices and blockchain protocols. The project is developing a hardware device called Black Box, expected to launch in July.

Key features:

  • Distributed, peer-to-peer wireless coverage
  • Web3 native incentives for node operators
  • No reliance on centralized ISPs
  • Tentative deployments in New York City, Mexico City, and Accra
  • Deep integration with Helium Network and its infrastructure

Andrena aims to give individuals and communities the power to run their own internet access points and be compensated in a decentralized system.

Why It’s Generating Buzz

Token Metrics researchers flagged Andrena as a top pick for long-term infrastructure exposure. Here's why:

  • Backed by Top VCs: In its upcoming Series B, Andrena is reportedly raising funds from major firms including Polychain Capital, Archetype, Wintermute, and Coinbase Ventures.
  • Mass Market Vision: The goal is not just to serve crypto-native users, but also everyday consumers who simply want affordable, decentralized internet access.
  • Multi-layered Integration: Andrena will offer both physical routers and a browser extension, enabling different levels of participation.

Strategic Partnerships and Rollout

The project is currently in soft-launch mode with localized pilots and is pursuing exchange listings later this year. While details remain limited, the focus is on building a global decentralized ISP layer—a radical shift from the existing internet access model.

Why Andrena Could Succeed Where Others Struggled

Previous attempts at decentralized internet often failed due to:

  • Poor hardware UX
  • Limited adoption outside of crypto users
  • Unclear monetization models

Andrena appears to be addressing these pain points with:

  • Consumer-grade devices
  • Partner integrations (e.g., Helium)
  • Clear token utility tied to network usage and coverage
  • A well-capitalized, experienced founding team

Risks and Unknowns

As with all early-stage infrastructure projects, there are risks:

  • Uncertain regulatory frameworks around ISPs
  • Capital intensity of hardware production and distribution
  • Network growth dependent on physical deployment
  • Limited token utility details at this stage

Investors and builders should stay informed as more information becomes public.

How Token Metrics Is Tracking DePIN Growth

The Token Metrics platform is actively monitoring the DePIN space through metrics such as:

  • TVL (Total Value Locked) in related ecosystems
  • Developer activity and GitHub velocity
  • On-chain signal strength and token accumulation
  • Fundamental and technical ratings

Projects like Andrena and its ecosystem partners are closely watched for early indicators of momentum.

Final Thoughts

DePIN is one of the most compelling frontiers in crypto. It offers real-world, real-time applications that go far beyond speculation. Andrena is at the center of this movement, blending telecom hardware, Web3 incentives, and global deployment.

While it's still early, the signs are promising. From reputable backers to ambitious global plans, Andrena is a project worth watching in 2025 and beyond.

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Meme Coins in 2025: Why They’re Still Outperforming the Crypto Market

Token Metrics Team
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Introduction:
Even in a sluggish crypto market, meme coins continue to outperform many other asset classes. In 2025, these highly speculative assets are not only surviving—some are thriving. This blog examines the current state of the meme coin market, what’s driving the activity, and how on-chain data and crypto analytics can help decode the chaos.

Meme Coins: Still Relevant in 2025?

Despite a broadly bearish macro environment, meme coins remain among the few bright spots in the crypto market. In the latest Token Metrics research webinar, several meme tokens showed outsized returns, including:

  • Gorbagana – up over 50% in a day
  • Useless Coin – jumped 40% in 24 hours
  • Startup Coin – nearly 9x returns over the past month

These tokens operate at low market caps and often launch with little or no formal whitepaper or utility. However, the power of narrative, social engagement, and rapid speculation continues to drive short-term gains.

Why Meme Coins Are Performing in a Bear Market

1. Low Liquidity, High Volatility:
Small-cap meme tokens can easily generate parabolic moves with modest capital inflows.

2. Community-Led Narratives:
Tokens like Useless Coin and Startup thrive on viral momentum from crypto-native communities, particularly on X (Twitter) and Telegram.

3. Whale Activity as a Signal:
Token Metrics analysts observed that whales have been accumulating select meme coins. This isn’t an endorsement—but it’s a data point. Monitoring on-chain whale behavior offers clues about where smart money is moving.

The Gobagana Case Study

Gobagana was cited as a high-risk Solana fork with minimal public information, yet it rapidly gained traction. On-chain analysis revealed:

  • Whale wallets accumulating in the early phase
  • Early VC insiders (e.g., those connected to Big Brain VC) engaging with the token
  • Rapid social engagement despite a small follower base

The takeaway? Even opaque meme coins can trigger major rallies—particularly if accumulation patterns align with social volume.

Risk Management and Red Flags

The meme coin market is not without risk. The Token Metrics team emphasized several cautions:

  • Illiquidity: Many meme tokens have low volume and limited exchange listings.
  • Exit scams or soft rugs: Teams can abandon the project after price pumps.
  • Price discovery volatility: Tokens may have no clear valuation baseline and can retrace sharply.

As such, these assets are often best approached with a high-risk tolerance and clear entry/exit rules.

How to Track Meme Coins Like a Quant

Using crypto analytics platforms like Token Metrics can help make sense of meme coin volatility. Tools that help include:

  • Real-time sentiment analysis
  • Whale wallet tracking
  • Price-to-volume anomaly detection
  • Bullish/bearish signal tracking

In 2025, data is more important than hype. While memes may dominate the narrative, only data reveals when the momentum shifts.

Meme Coins vs. Infrastructure Projects

Interestingly, while meme coins have been surging, many infrastructure or protocol tokens remain flat. This divergence suggests that retail attention is still focused on short-term speculation.

That said, once Bitcoin breaks key resistance levels, we could see capital rotate into AI, DeFi, and infrastructure themes. Meme coins may be the “canary in the coal mine” indicating renewed retail appetite.

Final Thoughts

Meme coins remain the wild west of crypto—but they aren’t going away. In fact, they’re becoming more sophisticated, with deeper liquidity pools, faster launches, and increased integration with social media bots and automated token creators.

As always, meme coin trading demands discipline, skepticism, and a robust toolkit. Watch the whales, follow the data, and never trade what you don’t understand.

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How to Find Hidden Crypto Gems with 100x Potential (Step-by-Step Guide) | Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics Team
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In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, discovering hidden gems—often called moonshots—can lead to life-changing returns. But the real challenge lies in separating hype from actual potential. In this guide, we’ll break down what crypto moonshots are, how they work, and how you can use Token Metrics to reliably find tokens with 100x upside.

What Are Moonshot Tokens?

The term moonshot comes from the idea of a crypto token “going to the moon,” or rapidly increasing in price. These are usually low-cap tokens with a compelling narrative, innovative technology, or early-stage market presence that give them high upside potential.

Key Characteristics of Moonshot Tokens:

  • Market Cap Below $50M – Smaller market caps have more room to grow.
  • High Risk / High Reward – Volatility is expected, but the upside can be enormous.
  • Early Entry – Timing matters. Getting in early before mainstream awareness is key.
  • Backed by Fundamentals – Even moonshots need solid technology, use cases, or backing.

How Do Crypto Moonshots Work?

Moonshots rely on the combination of innovation, market timing, and community adoption. They often start unnoticed, then experience exponential growth once crypto traders and influencers catch on.

The Lifecycle of a Typical Moonshot:

  1. Discovery Phase – A few savvy investors or analysts spot the token.
  2. Accumulation Phase – Early adopters buy in quietly, keeping prices low.
  3. Breakout Phase – News spreads, and trading volume spikes.
  4. Parabolic Run – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kicks in, driving price up rapidly.
  5. Profit-Taking or Collapse – Smart traders exit with gains; latecomers may be left holding the bag.

To avoid the trap of hype-driven tokens, it's essential to use data and analytics, not emotions. That’s where Token Metrics becomes your secret weapon.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Monshots?

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics platform that helps you discover high-potential tokens with real-time data, grades, and backtested indicators. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics to uncover 100x opportunities:

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Start from the main dashboard of the Token Metrics app.

  • Navigate to the “Ratings” tab.
  • This page ranks thousands of tokens using AI-based Trader Grade and Investor Grade, factoring in technical indicators, on-chain metrics, sentiment, and more.

Pro Tip: Look for tokens with rising Trader Grades and strong historical performance.

Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Once you’re in the Ratings section:

  • Click the “Moonshots” tab at the top of the page.
  • This will filter the list down to tokens the AI model flags as having moonshot potential—i.e., tokens likely to perform exceptionally well in the short term.

These are automatically generated by Token Metrics AI models using over 80+ data points, including:

  • Price momentum
  • On-chain activity
  • Sentiment analysis
  • Volume spikes
  • Market structure

Step 3: Review Key Moonshot Metrics

Each Moonshot token is presented with a rich dataset to help you make informed decisions:

  • Trader Grade (with % change in past 24h or 7d)
  • 24H Trading Volume – Gauge market interest
  • Market Cap – Lower caps typically offer more upside
  • Date of Entry – See when the token was first flagged
  • Live ROI Since Moonshot – Know exactly how past picks performed

Bonus Feature: Toggle to “Past Moonshots” to review previous winners and assess the track record of the platform.

Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token in the Moonshots list to open its Token Details Page.

Here, you can:

  • Analyze real-time charts
  • Review fundamentals, like project utility, tokenomics, roadmap, and team
  • See top holders and whale activity
  • Examine price volatility and volume patterns

This is where research and intuition meet. Use the available data to decide if this token fits your risk tolerance and investment thesis.

Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Token Metrics makes the process seamless:

  • Just click the “Buy” button on the Moonshots page.
  • This opens a swap widget powered by integrated DEX aggregators.
  • Choose your wallet, approve the transaction, and you're done—no need to leave the platform.

This integration eliminates the hassle of going to third-party platforms to execute trades, saving time and reducing risk.

Why Use Token Metrics for Finding Moonshots?

Token Metrics isn’t just about flashy picks—it’s about using data science and AI to gain an edge.

Key Benefits:

  • AI-Driven Insights – No emotional bias; just pure data analysis.
  • Transparency – View past moonshot performance, live ROI, and update dates.
  • Speed to Trade – Instant buy options right from the dashboard.
  • Performance Tracking – Evaluate your results based on entry/exit signals.

Real Examples: Token Metrics in Action

  • Euler Finance was flagged as a Moonshot before its 30% rally—validated by a bullish AI signal.
  • Morpho gained traction after appearing in the Moonshots list, later becoming a top TVL gainer.
  • Hyperliquid made the list before capturing major perp trading market share.

By combining early AI alerts with your own due diligence, you can position yourself ahead of the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Finding the next 100x crypto gem doesn’t have to be a guessing game. While the crypto space remains volatile, tools like Token Metrics help stack the odds in your favor. From real-time ratings to instant buy options and performance metrics, you have everything you need to make smart, data-driven bets on the future of crypto.

So if you're serious about turning small investments into big wins, start using Token Metrics to uncover moonshots before they go mainstream.

Try Token Metrics today and unlock the power of AI-driven crypto investing.

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