💡 Crypto Basics: Coin vs Token – What’s the Difference?

[cryptoenthusiast]

When you’re new to crypto, these two words get thrown around a lot — but they’re not the same thing. Here’s the breakdown
What is a Coin?

Runs on its own blockchain — it’s the “native currency” of that network.

Used to pay transaction fees, as a store of value, or as digital money.

Examples:

    Bitcoin (BTC) → runs on the Bitcoin blockchain.

    Ether (ETH) → runs on the Ethereum blockchain.

Think of a coin like the official currency of a country — it has its own economy and infrastructure.

What is a Token?

Built on top of an existing blockchain — it borrows the network’s infrastructure.

Can represent many things:

    Money (e.g., USDT, DAI)

    In-game assets (e.g., skins, weapons)

    Digital art (NFTs)

    Real-world assets (tokenized stocks, real estate)

Examples:

    Shiba Inu (SHIB) on Ethereum.

    PancakeSwap (CAKE) on Binance Smart Chain.

Quick Way to Remember

Own blockchain? → It’s a coin 🪙.

Lives on another blockchain? → It’s a token 🎟️.

Pro Tip:
Most coins are about running a network, while most tokens are about building projects and utilities on top of those networks.

#CryptoBasics #CoinVsToken #DYOR #CryptoEducation