What is a cryptocurrency and how does it work?

A cryptocurrency is a digital-only token. It uses cryptography (hence the shortened name, "crypto") to regulate how the tokens are created, how they're traded, and how secure they are. And (here's the key appeal for many) it doesn't use or need a central bank or government to control or manage them.

What was the first cryptocurrency?

Bitcoin, which launched in 2008, was the first cryptocurrency, and it remains by far the biggest, most influential, and best-known. In the decade since, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum have grown as digital alternatives to money issued by governments.

What are the top 100 crypto coins by market capitalization?

Top 100 Crypto Coins by Market Capitalization # Name Price 24h % 7d % 1 Bitcoin 1 BTC Buy $48,724.74 1.88% 8.26% 2 Ethereum 2 ETH Buy $3,520.67 0.26% 9.14% 3 Cardano 3 ADA $2.40 0.18% 0.55% 4 Binance Coin 4 BNB Buy $418.04 0.14% 3.05% 39 more rows ...

What is a crypto coin?

These crypto coins have their own blockchains which use proof of work mining or proof of stake in some form. They are listed with the largest coin by market capitalization first and then in descending order.