Asset field guide
Coins, tokens, forks, layers—sorted by purpose.
There are thousands of crypto assets. This directory covers the major categories and representative networks learners are most likely to encounter. Inclusion is education, not endorsement.
Bitcoin family
Bitcoin, forks, and representations.
₿BitcoinBTC · 2009Proof-of-work moneyThe original network: fixed issuance rules, UTXO transactions, mining, and a 21 million BTC ceiling.01
LLightning NetworkBTC payment layerBitcoin Layer 2Payment channels allow fast, low-value Bitcoin transfers that later settle to the base chain. It is not a separate coin.02
BBitcoin CashBCH · 2017 forkBitcoin forkSplit from Bitcoin over scaling strategy and uses larger blocks to support more base-layer transactions.03
SVBitcoin SVBSV · 2018 forkBCH forkA later fork focused on very large blocks and a specific interpretation of Bitcoin’s original design.04
GBitcoin GoldBTG · 2017 forkBitcoin forkChanged the mining algorithm in an attempt to make mining more accessible to general-purpose hardware.05
WWrapped BitcoinWBTC · tokenBitcoin representationA token on other smart-contract networks intended to represent BTC held by custodians; it adds counterparty and bridge risk.06
A fork is not “another type” of the same BTC balance.
Forked networks have separate rules, communities, markets, and assets. Wrapped BTC is a token representation, while Lightning is a payment network using actual BTC.
Programmable Layer 1 networks
Blockchains built for applications.
ΞEthereumETHSmart-contract L1The leading programmable settlement network; ETH pays fees and secures proof-of-stake consensus.01
SSolanaSOLHigh-throughput L1Designed for fast, low-cost execution with parallel processing; SOL pays fees and participates in staking.02
ACardanoADAProof-of-stake L1A research-led smart-contract network emphasizing formal methods, staged development, and staking.03
AAvalancheAVAXMulti-chain platformSupports fast finality, EVM applications, and customizable networks; AVAX is used for fees and staking.04
DPolkadotDOTInteroperability networkConnects specialized chains through shared security and cross-chain messaging.05
NNEAR ProtocolNEARSharded L1A proof-of-stake network designed to scale through sharding and developer-friendly account patterns.06
Scaling and infrastructure
Layers around the base chain.
L2Ethereum Layer 2Arbitrum / Optimism / BaseRollupsExecute transactions away from Ethereum’s base layer, then publish proofs or data back for settlement.01
MPolygonPOL ecosystemEthereum scalingA collection of Ethereum-compatible scaling systems and infrastructure products.02
CChainlinkLINKOracle networkSupplies external data and cross-chain services to smart contracts; LINK coordinates incentives.03
FFilecoinFILStorage networkA marketplace for decentralized data storage with cryptographic proofs of storage service.04
Stablecoins and payment assets
Designed for transfer, not scarcity.
₮TetherUSDTFiat-backed stablecoinA widely used dollar-linked token issued across multiple networks and backed by issuer-managed reserves.01
$USD CoinUSDCFiat-backed stablecoinA regulated-issuer dollar-linked token used for payments, trading, and smart-contract applications.02
DDAI / USDSDecentralized stable assetsCrypto-collateralizedStable-value tokens created through an on-chain system using collateral, governance, and risk parameters.03
XXRPXRP LedgerPayment-focused coinThe native asset of a fast settlement network designed around payments and asset exchange.04
ŁLitecoinLTCProof-of-work paymentsAn early Bitcoin-derived network with faster blocks and a different mining algorithm.05
Stable does not mean risk-free.
Stablecoins can face reserve, issuer, smart-contract, liquidity, regulatory, and depegging risks. The mechanism matters more than the label.
Exchange, governance, and culture tokens
Utility varies widely.
BBNBBNB ChainExchange ecosystem / L1Used for fees, applications, and services across the Binance-linked ecosystem.01
UUniswapUNIGovernance tokenProvides governance rights around a decentralized exchange protocol; it is not the exchange liquidity itself.02
ÐDogecoinDOGEMemecoin / paymentsA long-running proof-of-work coin whose value and adoption are strongly influenced by internet culture.03
MMemecoinsCommunity tokensHigh-speculation categoryTokens driven primarily by culture, attention, and community; typically carry extreme volatility and concentration risk.04
NNFTsNon-fungible tokensUnique-token categoryTokens representing distinct identifiers or rights; the token does not automatically grant copyright or real-world ownership.05
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