Asset field guide
Coins, tokens, forks, layers—sorted by purpose.
Thousands of assets exist. This directory explains representative networks and categories that learners commonly encounter. It does not rank assets, show prices, or recommend purchases.
Browse by category or search all entries
Bitcoin family
Base asset, forks, and payment layers.
₿BitcoinBTC · launched 2009Proof-of-work moneyThe original network, with UTXO transactions, mining, predictable issuance, and a 21 million BTC ceiling.
LLightning NetworkBTC payment channelsBitcoin Layer 2Payment channels support fast transfers that later settle to Bitcoin. Lightning is not a separate coin.
BBitcoin CashBCH · 2017 forkBitcoin forkA separate network created after disagreement about base-layer scaling, using larger block limits.
ŁLitecoinLTC · launched 2011Proof-of-work paymentsAn early Bitcoin-derived network with faster target blocks and a different mining algorithm.
WWrapped BitcoinWBTC · token representationBridged assetA token on other networks intended to represent BTC held through a custody system, adding bridge and counterparty risk.
These are not interchangeable balances.
A fork has its own rules, market, and asset. Wrapped BTC is a representation on another chain. Lightning transfers actual BTC through channels.
Programmable Layer 1 networks
Blockchains built for applications.
ΞEthereumETHSmart-contract L1A programmable settlement network. ETH pays execution fees and participates in proof-of-stake security.
SSolanaSOLHigh-throughput L1Designed for fast execution and parallel account access. SOL pays fees and participates in staking.
ACardanoADAProof-of-stake L1A research-led smart-contract network emphasizing formal methods, staged development, and staking.
AAvalancheAVAXMulti-chain platformSupports fast finality, Ethereum-compatible applications, and customizable network environments.
DPolkadotDOTInteroperability networkCoordinates specialized chains through shared security, messaging, and governance mechanisms.
NNEAR ProtocolNEARSharded proof-of-stake L1A programmable network designed to scale through sharding and developer-oriented account patterns.
Scaling and infrastructure
Systems around the base chain.
L2Ethereum Layer 2Arbitrum / Optimism / BaseRollup systemsExecute transactions away from Ethereum’s base layer, then publish data or proofs for settlement.
MPolygonPOL ecosystemEthereum scalingA family of Ethereum-compatible scaling and infrastructure systems with different security assumptions.
CChainlinkLINKOracle infrastructureProvides external data and cross-chain services to smart contracts through distributed node networks.
FFilecoinFILStorage networkA marketplace for distributed data storage using cryptographic proofs of storage service.
BBlockchain bridgesCross-network infrastructureMessage and asset transferMove representations or messages between networks and can add custody, validator, contract, and liquidity risk.
Stablecoins and payment assets
Designed to track value—not eliminate risk.
₮TetherUSDTFiat-referenced stablecoinA dollar-linked token issued on multiple networks and supported by issuer-managed reserves.
$USD CoinUSDCFiat-referenced stablecoinA dollar-linked token used for payments, trading, and applications, with issuer and reserve dependency.
DDAI / USDSOn-chain stable assetsCollateralized systemStable-value tokens created through collateral, governance, liquidation, and risk parameters.
XXRPXRP LedgerPayment-focused coinThe native asset of a settlement network designed around payments and asset exchange.
“Stable” does not mean risk-free.
Stablecoins can face reserve, issuer, smart-contract, liquidity, regulatory, censorship, and depegging risks. The mechanism matters more than the label.
Exchange, governance, and culture tokens
Utility and risk vary widely.
BBNBBNB Chain ecosystemL1 and exchange ecosystemUsed for network fees and services across a large exchange-linked ecosystem.
UUniswapUNIGovernance tokenProvides governance participation around a decentralized exchange protocol; it is not the underlying liquidity.
ÐDogecoinDOGEMemecoin and paymentsA long-running proof-of-work coin whose demand is strongly influenced by community and internet culture.
MMemecoinsHigh-speculation categoryAttention-driven tokensTokens driven mainly by culture and attention, often with extreme volatility, concentration, and manipulation risk.
NNFTsNon-fungible tokensUnique-token categoryTokens representing distinct identifiers or rights. Token ownership does not automatically grant copyright or legal title.
Use a repeatable research framework.
Compare purpose, security model, supply, governance, liquidity, custody, and failure modes before interpreting a token’s claims.