$ETH
Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay for transactions and execute smart contracts, which are self-executing programs that automate agreements without intermediaries. Ethereum allows for the development of decentralized applications (dApps), opening up possibilities in finance (DeFi), gaming, NFTs, and more. Initially, it used proof of work (PoW), but in 2022 it migrated to proof of stake (PoS), reducing energy consumption. ETH is the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, valued as a store of value and a means to interact with its ecosystem. Its flexibility drives innovation in blockchain.