$ETH

Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contract functionality and decentralized application (dApp) development. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum's native cryptocurrency, Ether, is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Key features include ¹:

- *Smart Contracts*: Self-executing contracts with automated enforcement and execution

- *Decentralized Finance (DeFi)*: Enables lending, borrowing, and trading without intermediaries

- *Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)*: Unique digital assets representing art, collectibles, and more

- *Proof-of-Stake (PoS)*: Energy-efficient consensus mechanism reducing energy usage by 99%

Ethereum's versatility and wide adoption make it a popular choice for developers and users alike.