Cryptocurrency has flipped the global financial system on its head. Think of it as a digital revolution, replacing age-old currencies with lines of code that hold real-world value. This all began with Bitcoin back in 2009 — a new way to send money peer-to-peer, with no banks or intermediaries calling the shots. That freedom and decentralization sparked a movement. And from there? A whole universe of other digital currencies — known as altcoins — emerged, each with its own twist on what crypto can do.
Bitcoin might have laid the foundation, but today’s crypto ecosystem is way more than just Bitcoin. There are thousands of coins, all fighting for a piece of the blockchain pie. These alternatives aim to improve on Bitcoin’s perceived flaws, or simply serve different niches, from faster payments to smart contracts to digital collectibles. It’s like the birth of the internet — first came email, then social networks, streaming, apps, and now a whole interconnected digital economy.
Let’s rewind for a second, though. When Bitcoin was introduced, most people didn’t even believe it would work. The idea of a decentralized, censorship-resistant, borderless digital money seemed too sci-fi to be real. But Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper proved otherwise. Slowly but surely, people realized Bitcoin could be trusted, and then its price started to skyrocket, drawing attention from Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and everyday folks around the world.
Since then, thousands of cryptocurrencies have sprouted up. They’re all based on the same broad principle — blockchain technology — but they each bring something different to the table. Some focus on privacy, some on speed, others on flexibility, and still others on integrating with the decentralized web (Web3). In other words, Bitcoin opened the door, but altcoins have made the crypto universe a multi-lane highway buzzing with possibilities.
CryptoHub is all about helping you navigate this ever-expanding universe. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an advanced investor, understanding how cryptocurrencies evolved and what they offer today is the first step. Ready? Let’s dive deeper.
A Brief History of Cryptocurrency
The story of cryptocurrency starts with a dream — the dream of money unchained from governments, banks, and central authorities. That dream found its first practical blueprint in 2008, with Satoshi Nakamoto’s famous Bitcoin whitepaper, “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” Bitcoin launched in 2009, marking the birth of decentralized finance.
Before Bitcoin, there were other digital cash experiments, like DigiCash and e-gold, but they all failed because they relied on central parties, making them vulnerable to regulation and shutdown. Bitcoin fixed that problem by using a decentralized ledger, the blockchain, which no single person or organization could control. That innovation changed everything.
After Bitcoin’s meteoric rise, developers worldwide realized the underlying technology — blockchain — could do much more than just store value. They began creating new cryptocurrencies with extra features, faster block times, and new consensus models. These new coins, collectively called “altcoins” (short for alternative coins), flooded the market.
Names like Litecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple became household words in the crypto community. Each project targeted a different use case: Litecoin aimed for faster payments, Ethereum introduced programmable smart contracts, and Ripple focused on banking systems. And it didn’t stop there — thousands more popped up, catering to everything from decentralized finance (DeFi) to gaming to non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
In a way, cryptocurrency is still just getting started. The innovation continues at breakneck speed, and the next Bitcoin-level breakthrough might be right around the corner.
Bitcoin’s Pioneering Role
Bitcoin didn’t just start the crypto movement — it also became a cultural phenomenon. It represents freedom, self-sovereignty, and the right to control your own money. There’s a reason Bitcoin is sometimes called “digital gold”: it has become a store of value for people who want an alternative to traditional currencies or want to hedge against inflation.
The biggest achievement of Bitcoin was to prove that decentralized money could actually work. By solving the double-spending problem (how to make sure the same digital coin can’t be spent twice), Bitcoin made sure its blockchain stayed honest and trustworthy. That achievement alone inspired countless other projects.
But as much as Bitcoin is legendary, it has its flaws. Transactions are relatively slow, fees can be high during network congestion, and it’s hard to build advanced features like smart contracts directly onto Bitcoin’s base layer. That’s where altcoins come in — they attempt to improve on Bitcoin’s design.
Think of Bitcoin as the Model T of crypto: revolutionary, but basic. Altcoins are like modern sports cars, SUVs, or even electric vehicles — designed for different needs, and often faster or more efficient.
If you’re thinking about entering the crypto world, it makes sense to start by understanding Bitcoin. But don’t stop there. The world of altcoins has so much more to offer. Let’s break that down.
What Are Altcoins?
Altcoins, short for “alternative coins,” refer to any cryptocurrency that isn’t Bitcoin. Right now, there are over 24,000 altcoins circulating on the market, each with its own purpose and mission. Altcoins cover everything from privacy coins like Monero to smart contract platforms like Ethereum to silly meme coins like Dogecoin.
So why did these altcoins pop up? Simple — Bitcoin couldn’t be everything to everyone. Just like not every car is a sedan, not every cryptocurrency needs to be digital gold. Some aim to process payments faster, others focus on anonymity, and many aim to support entirely new types of applications.
Altcoins usually build on Bitcoin’s core ideas but tweak them in creative ways. For example, Ethereum took the blockchain concept and added a programming layer, enabling developers to write decentralized applications (dApps) directly on the blockchain. Meme coins like Dogecoin took a fun, community-driven approach, proving that even jokes can become billion-dollar ecosystems in crypto.
Here’s the thing: not every altcoin is worth investing in. Thousands of coins are outright scams or dead projects. But there are also thousands of serious projects solving real-world problems. As an investor, your challenge is sorting the signal from the noise.
Altcoins are crucial to the crypto ecosystem because they drive experimentation. Without them, innovation would slow down. So whether you love them or hate them, altcoins are here to stay — and they might just shape the future of money in ways we can’t even imagine yet.
Why Altcoins Emerged
Altcoins exist because the crypto community didn’t want to stop with Bitcoin’s limitations. People saw opportunities to fix weaknesses in Bitcoin’s design and expand its use cases. Here are a few reasons altcoins took off:
- Scalability: Bitcoin is slow, processing only around 7 transactions per second. Altcoins like Solana or Avalanche can handle thousands per second.
- Flexibility: Bitcoin’s code is very conservative, which makes it stable but hard to upgrade. Altcoins can experiment faster.
- Specialization: Different coins serve different audiences — privacy, gaming, NFTs, stable payments, etc.
- Community experimentation: Altcoins give people a playground to try new ideas without affecting Bitcoin itself.
Altcoins emerged out of a desire to keep pushing the boundaries. Bitcoin is still the king, but it doesn’t have to do it all. Altcoins are like a group of explorers, each one charting a different path through the vast, uncharted territory of digital finance.
How Altcoins Differ from Bitcoin
Altcoins might share Bitcoin’s DNA, but they’re a completely different breed in so many ways. Think of Bitcoin as the original blueprint for decentralized money — but altcoins? They’re the remix, the spin-offs, the upgrades, and sometimes the wild experiments that push boundaries even further.
First, let’s talk technical differences. Bitcoin uses a proof-of-work consensus mechanism that’s powerful but energy-intensive and slow. Many altcoins have adopted proof-of-stake, delegated proof-of-stake, or even unique consensus models that dramatically reduce energy use while speeding up transactions. Ethereum, for instance, transitioned to proof-of-stake to become more sustainable and efficient. Meanwhile, blockchains like Solana use proof-of-history to boost throughput to thousands of transactions per second.
Transaction speed and scalability are other big differentiators. Bitcoin’s block time is roughly 10 minutes, which can feel like a lifetime when you’re trying to move money fast. Altcoins like Litecoin cut block times to around 2.5 minutes, while newer projects push that down to a few seconds. That difference alone makes altcoins way more practical for everyday purchases or micro-transactions.
Then there’s the philosophical differences. Bitcoin is conservative; its culture revolves around security, decentralization, and being a store of value, like digital gold. Many altcoins, on the other hand, embrace rapid innovation, experimenting with features that Bitcoin’s community often views as too risky. Altcoins might prioritize smart contracts, privacy, interoperability, or even meme culture — all things Bitcoin generally doesn’t try to do directly.
Use cases are a huge deal too. Bitcoin is essentially “sound money,” a censorship-resistant, inflation-proof asset. Altcoins target countless other goals:
- Creating decentralized exchanges
- Powering smart contracts
- Supporting NFT marketplaces
- Enabling cross-border payments
- Building digital identity systems
They carve out niches and address problems that Bitcoin wasn’t designed to handle. Altcoins are the specialized tools of the crypto toolkit, while Bitcoin is the sturdy hammer everyone trusts.
Finally, there’s the community and developer culture. Bitcoin’s developer ecosystem is small but fiercely focused on security and decentralization. Altcoins often have larger, more diverse communities working on creative solutions, sometimes moving faster but with higher risk.
In short, altcoins wouldn’t exist without Bitcoin, but they’ve evolved to serve countless unique missions beyond “just” being money. And that diversity is exactly what makes the crypto space so fascinating.
Popular Types of Altcoins You Should Know
With thousands of altcoins floating around, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Let’s break down some of the biggest and most influential players so you can separate the serious contenders from the speculative hype.
Ethereum (ETH) is the king of altcoins. It introduced smart contracts, which let you program anything from lending platforms to games to NFT marketplaces on its blockchain. That alone turned Ethereum into a global, decentralized computer.
Ripple (XRP) focuses on making bank-to-bank transfers faster and cheaper, solving a huge problem in the world of cross-border payments. Its partnerships with financial institutions give it a corporate appeal other coins don’t have.
Litecoin (LTC) is sometimes called “silver to Bitcoin’s gold.” It offers faster transaction times and lower fees, making it a practical choice for everyday payments.
Cardano (ADA) takes a research-driven approach to blockchain, emphasizing peer-reviewed science and academic rigor in its development process. It’s a platform for smart contracts with a mission to bring blockchain to the developing world.
Solana (SOL) is all about speed. It can process thousands of transactions per second, making it a solid foundation for scalable DeFi and gaming applications.
Meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu started as jokes but evolved into multi-billion-dollar ecosystems thanks to massive community support and viral social media buzz. They might seem silly, but they also show how powerful community-driven coins can be.
Beyond these, you’ll find thousands of other altcoins targeting every niche you can imagine — from stablecoins to gaming tokens to privacy coins. Here’s a quick breakdown in bullet form for clarity:
- Polkadot (DOT): Interoperability between blockchains
- Avalanche (AVAX): Fast smart contract platform
- Chainlink (LINK): Decentralized oracle network
- Monero (XMR): Privacy-focused transactions
- Polygon (MATIC): Ethereum scaling solution
The takeaway? Altcoins are incredibly diverse. Whether you want to build apps, protect privacy, or simply have fun trading meme coins, there’s probably an altcoin designed just for that.
But don’t forget: the altcoin world is a mix of gems and junk. Always research before jumping in.
Beyond Altcoins: Other Types of Cryptocurrencies
If you thought the crypto rabbit hole ended at altcoins, buckle up — there’s more. The crypto world has expanded to include entire classes of digital assets beyond just Bitcoin and altcoins. Let’s break them down:
Stablecoins are pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar. Think USDT (Tether), USDC (USD Coin), or DAI. They combine the speed of crypto with the stability of fiat, making them perfect for payments or parking profits during market crashes.
Privacy coins take anonymity to the next level. While Bitcoin is pseudonymous, coins like Monero or Zcash use advanced cryptography to make transactions completely untraceable. They’re controversial — governments dislike them — but they’re powerful tools for financial privacy.
Governance tokens give holders a say in how a decentralized protocol operates. Think of them like voting rights in a decentralized company. Examples include UNI (Uniswap) and COMP (Compound).
Utility tokens are designed to be used inside a specific ecosystem, like paying fees on a blockchain, accessing features, or rewarding participants. Examples include Binance Coin (BNB) or Basic Attention Token (BAT).
If you visualize the crypto landscape as a vast city, then Bitcoin is its central bank, altcoins are its businesses, stablecoins are the dollar bills flowing through its shops, privacy coins are unmarked bills for people who want secrecy, and governance tokens are the voting systems running its local governments. Each type of cryptocurrency has a clear role to play.
Together, these coins make up an ecosystem more vibrant than any traditional financial system ever built. And it’s still growing at breakneck speed.
The Role of Blockchain in Supporting Altcoins
Blockchain is the engine that powers the entire altcoin ecosystem. Without blockchain, none of this would exist — no Ethereum, no Dogecoin, no Cardano, nothing. It’s the beating heart of cryptocurrency, providing the security, transparency, and decentralization that makes altcoins even possible.
So how does blockchain actually empower altcoins? At its core, blockchain is a distributed ledger that records every transaction in a way that no single person or institution can alter. That means you don’t have to trust a bank or a corporation; you only trust the math and code behind it. This democratization of trust is what allows new altcoins to spin up and gain traction without needing permission from any authority.
Many altcoins build on blockchains similar to Bitcoin’s but with different design goals. For example, Ethereum’s blockchain supports smart contracts, turning it into a global programming platform rather than just a payments network. Solana’s blockchain uses a unique timestamp method (proof-of-history) to achieve incredible speed. Cardano applies peer-reviewed academic research to develop a blockchain that’s robust, scalable, and secure.
On top of this, there are constant innovations in blockchain technology. Concepts like sidechains, sharding, and layer-2 scaling solutions have pushed performance even further, solving the old problems of scalability, congestion, and high fees. These innovations mean altcoins can keep evolving to handle millions of users and transactions without breaking a sweat.
One of the coolest things about blockchain is how it levels the playing field. If you’ve got a great idea and some coding skills, you can launch a cryptocurrency that competes on a global scale. That’s why we have thousands of altcoins today — from projects run by big, well-funded teams to coins launched by communities or even hobbyists.
In a way, blockchain technology is like the soil in which altcoins grow. It nurtures them, sustains them, and gives them a strong foundation to branch out into the world. If you really want to understand altcoins, you need to appreciate just how powerful blockchain innovation has been in making this entire ecosystem possible.
Advantages of Altcoins Over Bitcoin
If Bitcoin is the wise old king of crypto, altcoins are the up-and-coming princes and princesses who want to shake things up. They bring some serious advantages to the table, and it’s worth exploring those in detail.
First up: speed. Bitcoin takes roughly 10 minutes to confirm a transaction. That’s fine for big transfers or storing wealth, but it’s a pain for buying coffee or trading quickly. Altcoins like Litecoin, Solana, and Avalanche cut transaction times down dramatically, making them more user-friendly for real-world use.
Second: lower fees. Bitcoin’s fees can skyrocket during high demand because of its limited block space. Many altcoins have cheaper and more predictable fees, opening the door to micro-payments, cross-border remittances, and everyday purchases.
Third: flexibility and innovation. Altcoins are like the startup culture of crypto, constantly experimenting with new features. From privacy coins that protect your data to smart contracts enabling entire decentralized economies, altcoins push the boundaries of what’s possible. They’re not afraid to break things, test new models, and learn by doing — that’s how progress happens.
Fourth: environmental sustainability. Bitcoin’s proof-of-work model is energy-hungry, which is why many altcoins have pivoted to proof-of-stake or other eco-friendly mechanisms. Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake alone cut its energy use by more than 99%, and many new altcoins are designed to be green from the start.
Finally: niche specialization. Bitcoin is one-size-fits-all — a bulletproof digital store of value. But altcoins can focus on specific problems: privacy, decentralized finance, gaming, NFTs, governance, and much more. This specialization allows them to serve communities that Bitcoin just can’t reach effectively.
In short, altcoins are a playground for innovation. They learn from Bitcoin’s strengths and weaknesses and then build on them, creating a more diverse and powerful financial ecosystem that’s open to everyone.
Risks and Challenges of Investing in Altcoins
Now, before you go running off to buy every altcoin on the market, let’s hit pause. Altcoins are exciting, but they come with some very real risks you shouldn’t ignore.
The first is volatility. Altcoins can be even more volatile than Bitcoin. Prices can spike 500% in a day — then crash 90% the next week. If you’re investing, you need to have a strong stomach and a strategy, not just FOMO.
Second, there’s the regulatory environment. Governments worldwide are still figuring out how to handle crypto. That means rules could change overnight, shutting down exchanges, banning certain coins, or imposing strict requirements that make trading difficult. Stablecoins and privacy coins, in particular, are in regulators’ crosshairs.
Third is the issue of scams and rug pulls. With thousands of altcoins popping up, not all of them are legit. Some are outright scams designed to drain your wallet. Others might start with good intentions but fail spectacularly, leaving investors with worthless tokens. Always do your homework, look for credible teams, check whether they have audits, and avoid anything that feels too good to be true.
Finally, there’s the technological risk. Altcoins experiment with untested code, which means bugs and hacks happen. Smart contract exploits have drained hundreds of millions of dollars from projects. Even legitimate altcoins can suffer from technical issues, chain splits, or governance disputes that kill their momentum.
So what’s the takeaway? Altcoins are powerful, but they’re risky. Approach them the same way you’d approach a brand-new tech startup: with excitement, yes — but also with caution and a critical eye.
The Future of Altcoins and Cryptocurrency Markets
So where is this all going? The future of altcoins is a thrilling, unpredictable ride, but a few trends are already shaping where things might land.
Institutional adoption is one. Big investors — hedge funds, pension funds, even giant corporations — are starting to see altcoins as legitimate investment opportunities, not just speculative toys. That institutional money could give the altcoin market more stability and credibility.
Regulatory frameworks are another factor. While regulation can feel scary, having clear, consistent rules will help the altcoin world mature. It could protect investors and weed out bad actors, making the whole ecosystem healthier in the long term.
And then there’s Web3 and decentralization. The idea of a truly decentralized internet, where people control their data and their digital money, is gaining steam. Altcoins will play a central role in that vision, powering decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and so much more.
We might also see breakthroughs in blockchain scalability, with layer-2 solutions, sharding, and new consensus models making blockchains capable of handling billions of people. That would push altcoins into the mainstream for everything from gaming to social networks to identity verification.
One thing is certain: the crypto world doesn’t stand still. New projects are launching every day, challenging the status quo and dreaming bigger than ever. Bitcoin started the story, but altcoins are writing the next chapters — and they’re just getting started.
How to Choose the Right Cryptocurrency to Invest In
Let’s face it — with thousands of cryptocurrencies out there, picking the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack. But if you follow a logical, step-by-step approach, you’ll boost your odds of finding projects worth your time and money.
First, look at the team behind the coin. Are they reputable? Do they have a track record? Anonymous founders aren’t necessarily bad (hello, Satoshi!), but transparency usually signals credibility. Check their social profiles, experience, and whether they’ve delivered on past promises.
Next, dive into the whitepaper and roadmap. A legitimate crypto project will lay out its mission, goals, tokenomics, and technical details in a whitepaper. Look for realistic, achievable plans — avoid projects promising the moon with no evidence. If their roadmap is too vague, that’s a red flag.
Then, analyze the use case. Is this cryptocurrency solving a real problem? Does it have a unique value proposition, or is it just a copycat hoping to ride hype waves? For example, Ethereum revolutionized programmable money through smart contracts, while Chainlink filled a critical role in connecting blockchains to real-world data. Projects that solve clear, meaningful problems tend to have staying power.
Also, consider the community. Strong communities drive growth and adoption. Check their social media, Discord, Telegram, or Reddit activity. Are people actively discussing, building, and testing? A silent, abandoned community might mean trouble ahead.
Evaluate the tokenomics too. How many tokens are there? Who controls them? A project where the founders hold 90% of supply could dump on investors at any moment. A fair distribution with incentives for participants is healthier and more sustainable.
Finally, regulatory compliance matters. As rules tighten, projects that operate transparently and legally will have the best shot at long-term success.
Here’s a simple due diligence checklist to keep in mind:
✅ Check the team
✅ Read the whitepaper
✅ Understand the problem being solved
✅ Analyze community activity
✅ Study token distribution
✅ Research security audits and partnerships
Investing in crypto is risky, but a methodical, skeptical mindset will help you cut through the noise and spot genuine innovation hiding among the hype.
Tips for Safely Storing and Managing Altcoins
So you’ve bought some altcoins — congrats! But now comes an even more important question: how do you keep them safe?
The golden rule of crypto security is “not your keys, not your coins.” If your crypto sits on an exchange, you’re trusting that exchange not to get hacked, go bankrupt, or freeze your assets. That’s why serious investors move their funds to private wallets.
There are two main types of wallets:
- Hot wallets (software wallets): Connected to the internet, convenient for daily use and trading. Examples include MetaMask or Trust Wallet.
- Cold wallets (hardware wallets): Disconnected from the internet, making them nearly hack-proof. Think Ledger or Trezor devices. These are best for long-term storage.
Most people use a combination of both: keep small amounts in a hot wallet for spending or trading, and move the bulk to a cold wallet for ultimate security.
Beyond wallets, follow these security best practices:
- Never share your private keys or recovery phrases with anyone, ever.
- Watch out for phishing attacks — always double-check website URLs.
- Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) on exchanges.
- Consider using a dedicated device for crypto transactions.
- Keep firmware and software updated.
Also, remember that backups are your lifeline. If you lose your recovery phrase and your hardware wallet breaks, your crypto is gone forever. Store backups securely in multiple physical locations (like a bank safety box or a fireproof safe).
In a nutshell: managing altcoins is like holding digital cash — you alone are responsible. But with a little care, you can safeguard your coins for years to come without breaking a sweat.
Common Myths About Altcoins Debunked
The crypto space is full of myths, half-truths, and flat-out nonsense — especially around altcoins. Let’s bust a few of these persistent myths.
Myth 1: Altcoins are worthless copies of Bitcoin.
While some low-effort coins do fit that description, many altcoins genuinely innovate, offering things Bitcoin cannot. Ethereum brought smart contracts to the mainstream, Chainlink connected blockchains to real-world data, and privacy coins gave people digital anonymity.
Myth 2: All altcoins are scams.
Yes, there are plenty of scams in crypto, but that’s true in any emerging tech. Just like the dot-com boom had both Amazon and Enron, crypto has winners and losers. Doing your research separates good projects from bad ones.
Myth 3: Altcoins will kill Bitcoin.
That’s highly unlikely. Bitcoin has built a level of security, brand recognition, and adoption that’s nearly impossible to match. Altcoins complement Bitcoin, addressing needs Bitcoin wasn’t built for.
Myth 4: Only tech geniuses can use altcoins.
Crypto has come a long way since the days of clunky command-line wallets. Today, user-friendly apps and exchanges make buying, trading, and storing altcoins simpler than ever.
Myth 5: Altcoins are too risky to bother with.
Sure, they’re risky — but so were startups like Tesla or Amazon in their early days. Altcoins can deliver incredible returns, but only if you approach them with the right strategy and risk management.
Bottom line? Don’t let myths blind you. Altcoins are an essential part of the evolving crypto landscape, and understanding them can unlock serious opportunities if you’re willing to do the work.
How CryptoHub Helps You Stay Informed
If you’re serious about navigating the altcoin world, you need solid, unbiased information. That’s exactly where CryptoHub steps in.
CryptoHub is more than just another crypto news website. It’s a platform built to keep you ahead of the curve with deep-dive articles, unbiased coin reviews, breaking news alerts, and educational guides. Whether you’re a total newbie or an advanced investor, CryptoHub helps you separate hype from facts.
Some key features of CryptoHub:
- Real-time price tracking for thousands of altcoins
- Coin rating systems with transparent methodologies
- News curation so you only get relevant, timely updates
- Guides and tutorials for secure storage, trading strategies, and technical analysis
- Community tools like discussion boards and forums
Think of CryptoHub as your GPS through the chaotic crypto landscape. Instead of chasing random YouTube hype or sketchy pump-and-dump groups, you can rely on a trusted resource to build your knowledge and confidence.
In a world where one tweet can move a market, good information is priceless. CryptoHub wants to make sure you’re equipped with the best tools to make smart, strategic moves — whether you’re hodling, trading, or building on the blockchain.
Conclusion
Altcoins have transformed cryptocurrency from a one-coin wonder into a global movement filled with innovation, experimentation, and endless possibilities. While Bitcoin still holds its throne as the original digital money, altcoins are reshaping what money, finance, and the internet itself can look like in the future.
From smart contract platforms like Ethereum to blazing-fast chains like Solana, privacy coins like Monero, and community-powered meme coins like Dogecoin, altcoins have made the crypto ecosystem more dynamic and more inclusive. Sure, the road is risky — there are scams, volatility, and regulatory uncertainties — but the opportunities are just as enormous.
If you approach altcoins with curiosity, caution, and a willingness to learn, they could open doors to wealth, empowerment, and freedom that traditional finance never could. Remember: do your research, protect your assets, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Crypto is rewriting the rules of money. Bitcoin may have opened the book, but altcoins are writing the next chapters — and they’re nowhere near finished yet.
