With $5,000 to invest in altcoins, I'd consider the following three options ¹ ² ³:

- *Ethereum (ETH)*: As the largest decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, Ethereum offers a strong ecosystem with numerous decentralized applications (dApps). Its upcoming upgrades aim to improve scalability and reduce fees, making it an attractive investment option.

- *Solana (SOL)*: This high-performance blockchain supports DeFi and NFTs, offering fast transaction processing times and low fees. With a growing ecosystem and increasing adoption, SOL has potential for long-term growth.

- *Chainlink (LINK)*: As a decentralized oracle network, Chainlink provides real-world data to smart contracts, making it a crucial component of the DeFi space. Its recent integrations and government backing enhance its attractiveness as an investment option.

Here's a rough estimate of how many coins you could buy with $5,000, based on current prices ⁴:

- *ETH*: Assuming an ETH price of around $3,500, you could buy approximately 1.43 ETH.

- *SOL*: With a SOL price of around $180, you could buy approximately 27.78 SOL.

- *LINK*: Assuming a LINK price of around $15, you could buy approximately 333.33 LINK.

Keep in mind that cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile, and it's essential to do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before investing.