$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, a decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum operates on a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, allowing users to stake ETH for network security. Unlike Bitcoin, which is primarily a store of value, Ethereum provides a programmable blockchain where developers can create applications, including DeFi (Decentralized Finance) and NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). ETH is used to pay for gas fees, execute smart contracts, and participate in governance decisions. It remains one of the most widely adopted and valuable cryptocurrencies in the market.