CRYPTO GLOSSARY

Token

An asset created by a smart contract on a blockchain that already exists. The contract keeps a list of who owns how many units.

Token in more detail

A coin is the built-in currency of its own blockchain. A token is created by a smart contract on a blockchain that already exists. The difference affects fees, risks and several common mistakes.

A token is an entry in a smart contract. The contract keeps a list of which address owns how many units and follows rules for moving them.

On Ethereum, most tokens follow a shared standard called ERC-20, proposed in November 2015. Because they all behave the same way, any wallet or exchange that supports one ERC-20 token can support them all.

FROM LESSON 9 · 4 MIN READCoins vs. tokensA coin is native to its own blockchain. A token is created by a smart contract on someone else's. Learn the difference and the mistakes it helps you avoid.Read the lesson

All 128 terms · Checked against the lesson's sources on 8 October 2026.

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