Coins vs Tokens: Know The Difference [Crypto Basics]

Any person who has set foot in the cryptosphere, even if for a day, must have come across certain terms like coin, tokens, crypto coin, cryptocurrency, altcoins etc.

We take a glance and move on to more complex information. But do we actually know what these terms mean? Are they the same or do they possess different meanings? Is a coin the same as a token? Are these terms synonymous?

Well, they are not, but are often used in this way which is inaccurate. But then again, who is to be blamed for the inaccurate information?

Nobody actually, for it is a very new field and often different terms are taken for granted and used inaccurately because we are still learning about it.

And in this learning curve, we often miss the thin lines that actually makes terms like coin and token different.

That is why, I thought of an article to highlight the differences between a coin and a token in the cryptosphere.

What Is A Coin?

A coin like Bitcoin, made by making variations in the original Bitcoin’s code like Litecoin, Namecoin etc. can be termed coins. These are also referred to as ‘altcoins‘ because they are an alternative to Bitcoin with an aim to have usecase similar to Bitcoin.

Therefore, the properties of such coins are also similar to Bitcoin:

  • Fungible: One unit is equivalent to another
  • Divisible: Can be divided into smaller units of value
  • Acceptable: Widely accepted as a medium of exchange
  • Limited Supply: Supply is capped and constant (compromised in some coins)
  • Uniform: All versions of the same denomination have the same value
  • Portable: Can be carried along and exchanged
  • Durable: Can be used a number of times without degrading

Also, there are some cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR) that were not created on Bitcoin’s code base but are also referred to as coins because they have their own blockchain and also exhibit the above-mentioned properties.

These coins are also sometimes referred to as cryptocoins or cryptocurrencies but when you fundamentally know the concept of tokens you will understand that not all the coins listed on CoinMarketCap are actually coins.

Coin-in-Cryptocurrency

To make it simpler, cryptocurrency can be considered as the parent category. Under that, you have coins/altcoins/cryptcoins as one sub-category and tokens as another sub-category.

However, blockchains such as Ethereum, Ripple, Next etc should also fall under the category of coins because they exhibit some properties of currencies but at the same time do not function solely for the usecase of money. That is why it becomes debatable and confusing.

But in this article, I will keep it simple and keep them in the category of coins because they have their own blockchain with a mixed usecase of acting like money and other utilities.

On the other hand, it is quite easy to distinguish tokens from coins or cryptocoins.

What Is A Token?

A token is a kind of cryptocurrency (without a currency usecase), that is usually issued on top of another blockchain. Generally, in any usecase, tokens represent utility or an asset, or sometimes both.

For example, consider Golem project which has GNT tokens. Golem or GNT tokens are hosted on Ethereum’s blockchain and Ether (ETH) is the primary currency (or fuel) for the entire Ethereum blockchain.

Also, if you want to use Golem DApp, GNT tokens are a must-have because without those tokens one will not be able to use the Golem DApp.

Token-in-cryptocurrency

So you see, a token is a secondary asset for a particular application on a blockchain ecosystem which also has a market value but isn’t a currency as straightforward as Bitcoin or Litecoin.

Also, coins like Ethereum that can exist independently, but tokens like GNT can’t exist without the Ethereum infrastructure.

Another example you can take is of CIVIC tokens that also reside on top of Ethereum blockchain. I think these two examples will help you differentiate despite the blurriness of the differentiating line.

Conclusion: Coin Vs Token

CoinsTokens
BitcoinRipple
PeercoinGolem
MoneroMetal
LitecoinTron
DogecoinSalt

The differentiators between coins and tokens are becoming more complex with the launch of niche crypto projects like Walton or Vechain.

However, the positive here is countries like Japan and the US are formulating regulations around different types of cryptocurrencies which should make the picture clearer for us to differentiate between various crypto projects.

That’s all from our side in this article. We would love to hear your thoughts on coins vs. tokens. Feel free to express your views in the comments section below.

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Here are a few other hand-picked articles that you must read to increase your knowledge about cryptocurrencies:

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7 thoughts on “Coins vs Tokens: Know The Difference [Crypto Basics]”

  1. Badsha

    Hi Harsh
    Claps for your sharing #crypto valuable knowledge, I would like to arbitrage mine #crypto can you please tell me good online arbitrage sites or app. if any let me know please

    thanks, & regards

  2. Ben obi

    Nice explanation for investors. Do you know that Gate.io will list Education tokens on Thursday, March 1, 2018 and Bibox on Friday, March 2, 2018. Wow I just heard about it, really going to be a great one.

  3. Fred P.

    Sudhir, would you say that a Coin is more like a conventional currency that can be spent like a currency and a Token is more like a stock that can be held, gain value and then be sold for Coin or converted to a Fiat?

    1. Harsh Agrawal

      Yes, but both can appreciate and depreciate in value. Moreover, tokens have utility and sometimes they don’t have their own blockchain also.

  4. Harsh Agrawal

    Many thanks and glad to know this Adele, Keep coming 🙂

  5. If tokens are not actually a currency and are used with a specific DApp, how do they have a value, or increase in value?

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