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Cryptocurrency

A digital asset using cryptographic and network mechanisms; asset, network and custodial balance are different concepts.

Concept and usage

A digital asset using cryptographic and network mechanisms; asset, network and custodial balance are different concepts.[1][2]

In context

Cryptocurrency is a class of assets whose ownership or transfers use cryptographic and digital-network mechanisms. It is not one technology or shared ledger; asset standards, transfers, issuance, custody and fees vary.[1][2]

Common confusion

Asset and network are separate fields: a token with one name may exist on several networks. A balance inside a service also need not be an on-chain address controlled directly by the user.[1][2]

Example

If a form asks for both an asset and a network, confirm both against the recipient’s instructions. A ticker or wallet logo alone does not establish address compatibility or service acceptance.[1][2]

Keep exploring

FoundationCrypto payment basics: asset, network and addressA token can exist on multiple networks. Confirm the accepted network, address format and any required tag. Selecting the right asset name but the wrong network can prevent a payment from being credited.Deeper analysisBlockchain basics: public records and private ledgersA blockchain links records under the rules of its network. Confirmation and consensus mechanisms differ, so one chain does not describe all networks. A public history provides a way to inspect transactions without establishing that all account information is stored on-chain.Related contextWallets and control: what a balance really meansA platform balance and a self-custody wallet can display the same asset while granting different control. One is a service-maintained ledger; the other authorizes network transactions through keys. Control is a more useful distinction than the asset label.

Glossary

Sources and scope

Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash SystemBitcoin.orgChecked: 2026-10-14
The original Bitcoin paper, used for its design of transaction history and proof of work.
Gas and feesEthereum.orgChecked: 2026-10-14
Explains Ethereum execution resources, gas and fee components.