Coin Definition in Crypto

A coin is a type of cryptocurrency that lives on its own blockchain and works like money inside that network. People use it to pay, store value, and move funds without a central intermediary. 

Native asset of its own blockchain

Coins are native to the chains they run on. That means a coin does not rely on another project’s infrastructure to exist or settle transactions. Bitcoin belongs to the Bitcoin network. Ether belongs to the Ethereum network. This “home chain” setup is a core trait that separates coins from many other crypto assets. 

How coins are created

Many coins come into circulation through mining, where participants add new blocks and receive rewards. Some blockchains use alternative mechanisms, such as staking, to validate activity and issue new units. The common thread is that issuance is tied to the chain’s consensus rules.

What coins do on a network

Coins act as the network’s currency. Users pay fees in the coin to get transactions processed. In some systems, the coin also incentivizes the people who keep the chain running, like miners or validators. Because the coin is the built-in medium of exchange, it also functions as a store of value within that ecosystem. 

Coins vs tokens

Coins and tokens are both digital assets, but they are not the same thing. A coin is native to its own chain and mainly serves as money within that environment. Tokens are created on top of an existing chain and often carry application-specific features, such as access rights or governance. In short, coins power their base networks, while tokens typically represent features or assets built above those networks. 

Examples

Common examples include Bitcoin, Ether, and Dogecoin. Each is used as currency within its own blockchain economy and is recognized by markets as a distinct digital asset.

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