$USDC USDC (USD Coin)

Issuer: Circle and Coinbase 🏢

Backed: 100% by dollars or equivalent assets 💵

Stable: Yes, it is a reliable stablecoin ⚖️

Common use: DeFi, payments, trading 📈

Network: Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and more 🌐

USTC (TerraClassicUSD)

Issuer: Former Terra ecosystem 🌕

Backed: No — it was algorithmic ⚙️

Stable: Not anymore, lost its peg in 2022 ⚠️

Risk: Very high, considered speculative 🔥

Common use: High-risk trading, speculation 🎲

Summary:

USDC = Stable and reliable ✅

USTC = Unstable and risky ⚠️