The **first meme coin** in cryptocurrency is Dogecoin (DOGE).

Quick Facts about Dogecoin:

*Launched*December 6, 2013

Creators:Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer.

Inspired by:The popular“Doge” meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog with multicolored Comic Sans text expressing inner monologue.

Purpose:Initially created as a **joke** to satirize the hype around cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Why It’s Important:

Even though Dogecoin started as a joke, it gained a large community and became one of the most recognized cryptocurrencies.

It has been endorsed and frequently mentioned by public figures like Elon Musk, which fueled major price surges.

Despite its origins, Dogecoin is actively traded, accepted by some merchants, and used for tipping and donations online.

So, Dogecoin is the original meme coin—and the one that started the trend of meme-based cryptocurrencies.