Definition: Coins are digital currencies that operate on their own blockchain.
Examples:
Bitcoin (BTC) – runs on the Bitcoin blockchain
Ethereum (ETH) – runs on the Ethereum blockchain
Toncoin (TON) – runs on The Open Network (TON)
Main Use: Usually used as money, for payments, storing value, or network fees (gas).
✅ Key Traits:
Native to their own blockchain
Can be mined or staked
Often used for blockchain operations
🎟️ Tokens
Definition: Tokens are digital assets built on top of existing blockchains.
Examples:
Uniswap (UNI) – on Ethereum
Shiba Inu (SHIB) – on Ethereum
Chainlink (LINK) – on Ethereum
MGO – on Ton blockchain
Main Use: Can represent anything — utility, governance rights, or assets.
✅ Key Traits:
Depend on another blockchain
Created using smart contracts
Can represent many things: game assets, votes, access rights, etc.
🔍 Summary Table
Feature Coins Tokens
Runs on own blockchain ✅ Yes ❌ No (uses another blockchain) Main Purpose Payments, gas, native use Utility, governance, assets Examples BTC, ETH, TON MGO, UNI, SHIB, LINK Creation Mining/Staking Smart contract
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
Coins vs Tokens in Cryptocurrency
🪙 Coins
Definition: Coins are digital currencies that operate on their own blockchain.
Examples:
Bitcoin (BTC) – runs on the Bitcoin blockchain
Ethereum (ETH) – runs on the Ethereum blockchain
Toncoin (TON) – runs on The Open Network (TON)
Main Use: Usually used as money, for payments, storing value, or network fees (gas).
✅ Key Traits:
Native to their own blockchain
Can be mined or staked
Often used for blockchain operations
🎟️ Tokens
Definition: Tokens are digital assets built on top of existing blockchains.
Examples:
Uniswap (UNI) – on Ethereum
Shiba Inu (SHIB) – on Ethereum
Chainlink (LINK) – on Ethereum
MGO – on Ton blockchain
Main Use: Can represent anything — utility, governance rights, or assets.
✅ Key Traits:
Depend on another blockchain
Created using smart contracts
Can represent many things: game assets, votes, access rights, etc.
🔍 Summary Table
Feature Coins Tokens
Runs on own blockchain ✅ Yes ❌ No (uses another blockchain)
Main Purpose Payments, gas, native use Utility, governance, assets
Examples BTC, ETH, TON MGO, UNI, SHIB, LINK
Creation Mining/Staking Smart contract