A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that runs on a blockchain and uses cryptography to secure transactions and control how much can exist. Bitcoin was the first; thousands now exist, each serving different purposes. Coins vs tokens A coin has its own blockchain (BTC, ETH, SOL). A token lives on top of someone else's chain (USDT on Ethereum, DAI, most governance assets). Coins pay for the network's own security; tokens represent value issued by a project. Why decentralization matters here The whole point of cryptocurrency is that no issuer can freeze your balance, print extra units, or reverse a payment. How decentralized an asset really is — who can change its rules — is exactly what the W3D audits measure. Related terms Bitcoin, Token, Exchange, Wallet, Stablecoin, Self-Custody
A cryptocurrency is a digital asset that runs on a blockchain and uses cryptography to secure transactions and control how much can exist. Bitcoin was the first; thousands now exist, each serving different purposes.
Coins vs tokens
A coin has its own blockchain (BTC, ETH, SOL). A token lives on top of someone else’s chain (USDT on Ethereum, DAI, most governance assets). Coins pay for the network’s own security; tokens represent value issued by a project.
Why decentralization matters here
The whole point of cryptocurrency is that no issuer can freeze your balance, print extra units, or reverse a payment. How decentralized an asset really is — who can change its rules — is exactly what the W3D audits measure.
Related terms
Bitcoin, Token, Exchange, Wallet, Stablecoin, Self-Custody