#AltcoinSeasonLoading
"Altcoin" is short for "alternative coin," referring to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. Born after Bitcoin's 2009 inception, thousands of altcoins now exist, each often aiming to improve upon or differentiate itself from Bitcoin through varied features and purposes.
Types range from mining-based coins and stablecoins (pegged to assets like the USD) to utility tokens and governance tokens. While offering potential innovation and investment opportunities, altcoins are generally more volatile than Bitcoin, requiring thorough research before engaging.