In the world of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin is king. But what about all its... court? Exactly – this is where altcoins come in: all cryptocurrencies that are not Bitcoin.
Some have real applications, others are pure speculation and memes. But one thing connects them – they can surprise, enrich... or wipe your wallet to zero. 🫠
🧩 What are altcoins?
"Altcoin" is short for alternative coin. Literally: everything except Bitcoin. From serious projects like Ethereum to crazy memes like Dogecoin.
Altcoins often offer what Bitcoin doesn't: smart contracts, lower fees, faster transactions, or... meme dogs 🐶.
🧬 Main types of altcoins:
Smart contracts – e.g. Ethereum ($ETH), Solana ($SOL), Cardano ($ADA).
They allow building decentralized applications, NFTs, Web3 games.
Stablecoins – e.g. Tether ($USDT), USDC.
They maintain a value of 1:1 with the dollar. Favorites during crypto panics.
DeFi – e.g. Uniswap ($UNI), Aave ($AAVE).
Loans, staking, farming – without a bank, just with a wallet.
Meme coins – Dogecoin ($DOGE), Shiba Inu ($SHIB).
Because in crypto sometimes it's more about laughter than logic. 😂
📊 Why do people invest in altcoins?
🔥 They seek quick profits (sometimes also quick losses).
🧠 They believe in the technology and applications of the project.
💬 A friend from the Telegram group wrote that it was 'another Ethereum.'
🎰 Sometimes they just enjoy the risk and thrill.
⚠️ Altcoin rollercoaster:
✅ Pros:
Low entry threshold – you can start with just a few zlotys.
Potential for x10, x100 growth (in theory).
Innovations: DeFi, NFT, Web3, AI tokens, etc.
❌ Downsides:
High risk – many projects are what is known as 'rug pulls' (they ran off with the money).
Lack of regulation and control.
Hype > fundamentals (many investors buy just because the price is rising).
🤡 Altcoins in practice
🔹 $SOL – fast, cheap, and increasingly popular among NFT creators.
🔹 $XRP – eternal battle with the SEC, but the army of fans is unwavering.
🔹 $DOGE – created as a joke, tweeted by Elon, taken seriously.
🔹 $ARB, $OP – layer 2 altcoins for Ethereum. For those who believe in scaling.
🧠 Is it worth investing?
If you have patience, knowledge, and don't invest more than you can afford to lose – yes, altcoins can be an opportunity.
But if you think that for 50 zlotys you will buy a Lambo – rather prepare for a bicycle. 🚲
📌 In the end:
Altcoins are crypto Wild West:
⚒️ some mine gold,
🎩 others push fake treasure maps,
and you have to decide who you want to be.
Do your research, think for yourself, and don't buy just because 'everyone is buying.'
