What it means
A broad category
Cryptocurrencies include assets with different issuance models, network designs and intended uses. A native coin pays for or participates in its network; a token can be issued using a program on another network. These distinctions matter more than a shared marketing label.
Before using an asset
Identify the exact asset, network, custody arrangement and transfer rules. Market prices can change, access can depend on intermediaries and recovery options vary. An asset’s availability in a wallet or exchange does not establish that a particular merchant or payment provider accepts it.
Related concepts
In practice
A concrete example
Two assets can share a similar ticker while representing different tokens or networks, so an invoice needs an unambiguous asset identifier.
Technical notes & boundaries
Cryptocurrency is not a universal legal-tender classification or a promise of anonymity, stable value, low fees or reversibility.
Go to the source.
Original references used for this definition. Product details and standards can change.
