$ETH

Ethereum (ETH) is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and a foundational platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Built by Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015, Ethereum enables developers to create decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, NFTs, and more. Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses mainly on peer-to-peer payments, Ethereum serves as a programmable blockchain. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and its Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, the network has become more energy-efficient and scalable. ETH is not just a digital currency but also powers the Ethereum ecosystem by being used for gas fees. Its role in Web3 development makes it a vital crypto asset.