$ETH

**$ETH**, or **Ethereum**, is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain — a decentralized, open-source platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum goes beyond simple transactions by allowing programmable contracts without third-party involvement. $ETH is used to pay for transactions (gas fees) and computational services on the network. With Ethereum's transition to Proof of Stake via the Merge, the network has become more energy-efficient. $ETH plays a central role in DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 innovations, making it one of the most influential assets in the crypto space.