$ETH Ethereum ($ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform, notable for its ability to deploy smart contracts. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a group of co-founders, Ethereum is not just a cryptocurrency but also the infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps). The native currency of Ethereum, ETH, is used to pay transaction fees and power the network. With the upgrade to Ethereum 2.0, the system has transitioned to a Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism, improving speed, security, and reducing energy consumption, thereby increasing value and potential applications in the future.