Altcoin
Definition
An altcoin (alternative coin) is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. The term was coined early in crypto history when Bitcoin was the only major cryptocurrency. Altcoins range from large-cap projects like Ethereum and Solana to small-cap tokens. They often aim to improve upon Bitcoin's limitations or serve entirely different purposes such as smart contracts, decentralized finance, or privacy.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding Altcoin is essential for anyone investing in cryptocurrencies or working with blockchain technology. This concept directly influences how projects are valued, how markets behave, and what risks and opportunities exist for investors.
How Does CryptoValue Use This?
At CryptoValue, fundamental concepts like Altcoin feed into our proprietary Value Score — a rating from 0 to 100 based on 10 on-chain and market metrics. Our goal is to help you identify undervalued and overvalued coins, rather than just looking at price.