List of the diversity and characteristics of virtual coins

Types of Notable Coins

Here, we will explain the features and future potential of the main cryptocurrencies that are attracting attention. Let's take a look at the unique projects that have different values than Bitcoin.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is a blockchain platform equipped with smart contract functionality. It serves as the foundation for innovative services such as DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs. In 2022, the major upgrade "The Merge" transitioned it to PoS, advancing environmental sustainability and enhancing security. In 2024, a physical ETF is expected to be approved in the United States, further increasing capital inflow from institutional investors.

Solana (SOL)

Solana is a blockchain focused on transaction processing speed and low costs. Its unique "Proof of History (PoH)" allows for tens of thousands of transactions per second. Significant renovations are planned for after 2024, with advancements in new use cases such as Solana Pay and expansion into the DePIN field. It continues to perform well in the NFT sector and is being utilized in creative areas such as gaming and music.

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple is a coin developed to improve the speed and cost of international remittances. In 2023, a ruling was partially issued stating that it does not qualify as a security, restoring market confidence. As of 2025, efforts are being made to promote cross-border payment solutions focused on Asia and the Middle East, with an emphasis on collaboration with Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC).

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is a "third-generation blockchain" developed based on academic research and formal methods. Since 2021, the implementation of smart contract functionality has progressed, and the development of NFT and DeFi sectors has also shown expansion. Practical applications, such as supporting the establishment of educational and identity verification infrastructure in African countries, have been well received.

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot is a project that emphasizes "interoperability" between different blockchains. It features a structure consisting of a core blockchain called the "Relay Chain" and "Parachains" that can be independently built for each project. As of 2025, parachain auctions are continuously being held, facilitating the entry of new projects.

Polygon (POL)

Polygon is a "Layer 2" solution designed to solve Ethereum's scalability issues. It is fully compatible with Ethereum, while featuring faster processing speeds and significantly lower fees. In 2024, partnerships with major Web2 companies are expected to become a hot topic, and applications in the entertainment sector are also anticipated.

Avalanche (AVAX)

Avalanche is a blockchain with a very fast transaction finality speed. It attracts the attention of developers and enterprises through its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility and customizable "subnets." By 2025, it is pursuing multiple strategies simultaneously, such as financial infrastructure for institutions, regulatory-compliant chain deployment, and expansion into DeFi.

Dogecoin (DOGE)

Dogecoin is a pioneering meme coin inspired by the Shiba Inu meme "Kabosu-chan." Ongoing support from Elon Musk has had a significant impact. As of 2025, while expectations regarding integration with X (formerly Twitter) have somewhat calmed down, it remains a symbol of meme culture and grassroots economic activities.

Shiba Inu (SHIB)

Shiba Inu is a meme coin that emerged as the "Dogecoin Killer." Initially viewed as just a joke, it has now ventured into the fields of DeFi, NFTs, and the metaverse. As of 2025, the expansion of its ecosystem continues with the enhancement of scarcity through token burns and the development of dApps utilizing Shibarium.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is a project that provides "oracle" technology to connect blockchain and external world data. In 2024, the cross-chain protocol "CCIP" will officially launch, advancing to a new stage that enables the exchange of assets and information between different blockchains. It has become an indispensable presence in a wide range of fields, including DeFi, insurance, gaming, and AI integration.

Basic Classification of Coins

The cryptocurrency market has thousands of different coins and tokens, which can be broadly classified into Bitcoin and altcoins. Additionally, there are various classification methods based on their uses and mechanisms.

The Difference Between Bitcoin and Altcoins

Bitcoin and altcoins differ significantly in their development purposes, technologies, and uses. Bitcoin is positioned as "digital gold," primarily functioning as a store of value and a means of remittance, with a maximum issuance limit of 21 million coins. It adopts a simple blockchain technology and maintains a high price range of approximately 10 million yen per BTC as of 2025, ranking at the top in terms of cryptocurrency market capitalization.

On the other hand, altcoins have different purposes depending on the project, such as smart contracts, gaming, and payments, and many of them can be found without a limit on the number of coins issued. They incorporate technologies such as highly functional smart contracts and high-speed processing, and are distributed across a wide price range from a few yen to several hundred thousand yen. Bitcoin price trend (2025 In terms of total market capitalization, it ranks second to Bitcoin and expands the diverse possibilities of blockchain technology.

Classification by Use Cases of Coins

Cryptocurrencies can be classified into several main categories based on their primary use cases. Platform coins like Ethereum and Solana serve as a foundation for building decentralized applications (DApps). Payment and remittance coins such as Ripple and Litecoin specialize in international remittances and micropayments. Privacy-focused coins like Monero and Dash are characterized by designs that enhance transaction anonymity.

In addition, stablecoins such as USDC and USDT focus on price stability, while governance tokens like UNI and COMP grant rights to participate in project decision-making. Utility tokens like BNB and CRO are used within specific services or platforms. Understanding these categories can help determine which types of cryptocurrency align with your investment goals or interests.