$ETH

- *Key Features*:

- *Smart Contracts*: Self-executing contracts with terms directly written into code.

- *Decentralized Applications (dApps)*: Ethereum allows developers to build and deploy dApps.

- *Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)*: Ethereum's ERC-721 standard supports the creation and trading of unique digital assets.

- *History and Development*:

- *Founded*: Ethereum was conceived in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin and launched on July 30, 2015.

- *Proof-of-Stake Transition*: Ethereum transitioned to Proof-of-Stake in September 2022, reducing energy consumption by 99%.

- *Ether (ETH)*:

- *Native Cryptocurrency*: Ether is the cryptocurrency used for transaction fees and validator rewards.

- *Market Position*: Ether is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.

- *Upcoming Upgrades*:

- *Pectra Upgrade*: Expected in mid-2025, this upgrade will increase staking amounts per validator and enhance smart contract functionality.