Digital currency is designed to work as a medium of exchange. There are many different types of cryptocurrency, but these eight are among some of the more well-known currencies.

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

One of the most commonly known currencies, Bitcoin is considered an original cryptocurrency. It was created in 2009 as an open-source software. The author of the whitepaper that established digital currency was under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.

How does Bitcoin work?

Using blockchain technology, Bitcoin allows users to make transparent peer-to-peer transactions. All users can view these transactions; however, they are secured through the algorithm within the blockchain. While everyone can see the transaction, only the owner of that Bitcoin can decrypt it with a “private key” that is given to each owner.

Unlike a bank, there is no central authority figure in the Bitcoin. Bitcoin users control the sending and receiving of money, which allows for anonymous transactions to take place throughout the world.

2. Litecoin (LTC)

Litecoin was launched in 2011 as an alternative to Bitcoin. Like other cryptocurrencies, Litecoin is an open-source, global payment network that is completely decentralized, meaning there are no central authorities.

What’s the difference between Bitcoin and Litecoin?

Here are a few differences between these digital currencies:

• Litecoin is believed to feature faster transaction times.
• The coin limit for Bitcoin is 21 million and Litecoin is 84 million.
• They operate on different algorithms, Litecoin’s being “scrypt” and Bitcoin’s is “SHA-256.”

3. Ethereum (ETH)

Created in 2015, Ethereum is a type of cryptocurrency that is an open source platform based on blockchain technology. While tracking ownership of digital currency transactions, Ethereum blockchain also focuses on running the programming code of any decentralized application, allowing it to be used by application developers to pay for transaction fees and services on the Ethereum network.

4. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Introduced in 2017, Bitcoin Cash is one of the most popular types of cryptocurrency on the

market. Its main difference with the original Bitcoin is its block size: 8MB. Compare that to the

original Bitcoin’s block size of just 1MB. What that means for users—faster processing speeds.

5. Ethereum Classic (ETC)

Ethereum Classic is a version of the Ethereum blockchain. It runs smart contracts on a similar decentralized platform. Smart contracts are applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of downtime, censorship, fraud or third-party interface. Like Ethereum, it provides a value token called “classic ether,” which is used to pay users for products or services.

6. Zcash (ZEC)

Zcash is a digital currency that was built on the original Bitcoin code base. Conceived by scientists at MIT, Johns Hopkins and other respected academic and scientific institutions, it was built on a decentralized blockchain. A core feature and differentiation of Zcash is an emphasis on privacy. While not a function available to investors on Equity Trust’s platform, users can send and receive Zcash without disclosing the sender, receiver, or the amount transacted.

7. Stellar Lumen (XLM)

Stellar lumen is an intermediary currency that facilitates currency exchange. Stellar allows a user to send any currency they own to someone else in a different currency. Jed McCaleb founded the open-source network Stellar and created the network’s native currency in 2014.

8. Bitcoin Satoshi’s Vision (BSV)

Bitcoin Satoshi’s Vision (BSV) is the result of the 2018 split, or hard fork, of Bitcoin Cash. It is intended to more closely resemble the original purpose of Bitcoin, particularly decentralization and using cryptocurrency as payments.

Cryptocurrency with tax advantages?

Did you know you can invest in these cryptocurrencies within your IRA, potentially paying zero taxes on any profits?

Learn about the potential tax advantages, how to get started, and more about digital currency in a self-directed retirement account with our free guide.

You can also start a conversation with one of our knowledgeable Senior Account Executives to get your cryptocurrency IRA questions answered.

Prior to making any investment decisions, please consult with the appropriate legal, tax, and/or investment professionals for advice. As a self-directed IRA custodian, ETC will not provide investment advice or risk assessment of any investment. The digital currency market may experience a high degree of volatility and clients should consult with an investment professional before any investment is made.