Bitcoin, introduced by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency. It operates on a decentralized network called blockchain, which records all transactions across a distributed network of computers. Bitcoin's primary use case is as a decentralized digital currency, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Its limited supply of 21 million coins and the process of mining, which secures the network and validates transactions, contribute to its scarcity and store of value properties.

Ethereum, launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, is a decentralized platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily focuses on digital currency, Ethereum's blockchain is programmable, allowing developers to build and deploy applications on its network. Ethereum's native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services. It's flexibility and wide range of use cases, including decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), have contributed to its prominence in the cryptocurrency space.

Created by Charlie Lee in 2011, Litecoin is often considered the silver to Bitcoin's gold. It shares many technical similarities with Bitcoin but offers faster transaction confirmations and a different hashing algorithm (Scrypt). Litecoin aims to provide a more efficient and accessible alternative to Bitcoin for peer-to-peer transactions and everyday use. Its shorter block generation time and larger maximum coin supply (84 million) contribute to faster and more abundant transaction processing compared to Bitcoin.

USD Coin (USDC) is a cryptocurrency launched in 2015, known as a stablecoin. Each USDC token is pegged to the value of one US dollar and is backed by reserves of fiat currency held by regulated financial institutions. USDC provides stability and price predictability compared to other cryptocurrencies, making it suitable for use cases such as remittances, trading on cryptocurrency exchanges, and as a medium of exchange in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform, launched officially in 2020 and designed for decentralized applications (DApps) and crypto-currencies. It utilizes a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of History (PoH) combined with Proof of Stake (PoS) to achieve fast transaction speeds and low transaction costs. Solana aims to address the scalability limitations of other blockchain platforms by offering a throughput of up to 65,000 transactions per second, enabling high-volume decentralized applications and supporting projects in areas such as decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Ripple is both a platform and a cryptocurrency (XRP) designed to enable fast and low-cost cross-border payments. Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, which operate on decentralized networks, Ripple operates on a more centralized network managed by Ripple Labs. Its consensus mechanism, called the Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA), relies on a network of trusted validators to confirm transactions quickly and efficiently. Ripple's primary focus is on facilitating international money transfers for banks and financial institutions, offering them a cost-effective alternative to traditional payment systems.

* The list of coins, buying rates, and rate history appear and are updated on the homepage at any time.