$DASH
(DASH), short for "Digital Cash," is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency that forked from the Bitcoin codebase in 2014. While Bitcoin is often viewed as "digital gold" (a store of value), Dash was specifically engineered to be a scalable, daily payment system—essentially a digital version of the cash in your wallet.
1. Core Technology: The Two-Tier Network
Unlike Bitcoin’s single-layer network of miners, Dash uses a unique two-tier architecture that allows it to perform advanced functions:
Tier 1 (Miners): Use Proof-of-Work (PoW) to secure the network and write transactions to the blockchain.
Tier 2 (Masternodes): These are specialized servers that require a collateral of 1,000 DASH. They handle the "heavy lifting" for the network's unique features and governance.
Key Proprietary Features
InstantSend: Transactions are confirmed in under 2 seconds. This makes Dash viable for point-of-sale retail (e.g., buying a coffee), whereas Bitcoin can take 10+ minutes.
PrivateSend (CoinJoin): An optional feature that mixes your coins with others to obscure the transaction history, providing cash-like anonymity.
ChainLocks: A security mechanism that protects the network against 51% attacks by "locking" blocks as soon as they are confirmed by Masternodes.
2. Economic Model & Governance
Dash is one of the oldest DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations). Its block rewards are split three ways:
45% to Miners: For securing the network.
45% to Masternodes: For providing advanced services.
10% to the Treasury: This "Tax" goes into a development fund. Masternodes vote on how to spend this money (e.g., hiring developers or marketing in new regions).
3. Market Sentiment & Outlook (2026)
As of early 2026, Dash is navigating a transition from a "legacy" privacy coin to a functional "utility" asset.