(New York) – The cryptocurrency market has expanded rapidly, with a range of digital currencies making their mark alongside Bitcoin, the original and most well known cryptocurrency. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, is often the first name in crypto conversations, but several other currencies have since gained popularity and significant market value. Here’s a look at the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization as of October 29, 2024, according to CoinMarketCap.com.
Largest Cryptocurrencies by Market Cap
| Cryptocurrency | Symbol | Price (USD) | Market Cap (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | BTC | $72,128.62 | $1.43 trillion |
| Ethereum | ETH | $2,636.78 | $317.55 billion |
| Tether | USDT | $0.9997 | $120.22 billion |
| BNB | BNB | $609.02 | $88.89 billion |
| Solana | SOL | $179.94 | $84.69 billion |
| USD Coin | USDC | $0.9999 | $34.58 billion |
| XRP | XRP | $0.5251 | $29.83 billion |
| Dogecoin | DOGE | $0.1711 | $25.08 billion |
| TRON | TRX | $0.1655 | $14.31 billion |
| Toncoin | TON | $5.03 | $12.80 billion |
| Cardano | ADA | $0.3497 | $12.24 billion |
| Shiba Inu | SHIB | $0.00001884 | $11.10 billion |
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin remains the most prominent cryptocurrency, often referenced as the industry’s foundation. Launched in 2009 by the mysterious creator Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin captured mainstream attention in 2017, and its adoption grew significantly. In 2024, the SEC’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs has provided investors with a straightforward way to invest in Bitcoin.
Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum ranks second in the crypto market, known for its utility in various applications. Its platform supports “smart contracts,” making it versatile and useful beyond simple transactions. Ether, the native currency, powers operations on the Ethereum network.
Tether (USDT)
Tether is a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, maintaining a near-constant value of $1. It is commonly used by traders to move between different cryptocurrencies without converting to traditional currency. Some concerns exist about whether Tether is fully backed by assets.
BNB (BNB)
Originally issued by Binance, a major crypto exchange, BNB was initially intended for discounted trading on the platform. Now, it has broader uses, including payments and purchases, and holds a strong market position.
Solana (SOL)
Solana, launched in 2020, gained traction with its fast transaction speeds and robust platform, which can handle high volumes. The currency has a capped supply of 480 million SOL coins, which adds to its appeal.
USD Coin (USDC)
Another stablecoin tied to the U.S. dollar, USD Coin is backed by assets held with regulated institutions, according to its creators. This helps it maintain a steady value, similar to Tether.
XRP (XRP)
Launched as Ripple in 2012, XRP is commonly used for cross-border transactions in various real-world currencies. Its trust-less mechanism facilitates quick payments without centralized intermediaries.
Dogecoin (DOGE)
Originally created as a joke inspired by an internet meme, Dogecoin has become popular as a usable digital currency. Unlike many cryptocurrencies with a fixed supply, Dogecoin has no cap, allowing continuous issuance.
TRON (TRX)
TRON is a blockchain platform aimed at supporting decentralized applications (dApps). Since its establishment in 2017, TRON’s acquisition of BitTorrent has broadened its reach in the peer-to-peer network space.
Toncoin (TON)
Initially developed by Telegram in 2018, Toncoin was taken over by the TON Foundation after Telegram abandoned the project. Its integration into the Telegram app in 2023 led to a surge in its price and popularity.
Cardano (ADA)
Created by an Ethereum co-founder, Cardano supports smart contracts, facilitating identity management and other applications. It has its own unique approach to decentralized finance.
Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Modeled after Dogecoin, Shiba Inu is another memecoin based on Ethereum. Launched in 2020, it has gained attention due to its playful branding featuring the Shiba Inu dog.
