# ⚖️ Coin vs Token – What’s the Difference?

Coin vs Token – What’s the Difference?

People often use “coin” and “token” like they mean the same thing — but they’re **not** exactly the same. Let’s clear it up. 👇

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### 🪙 What is a Coin?

A **coin** is a cryptocurrency that runs on its **own blockchain**.

#### 💡 Examples:

* **Bitcoin (BTC)** → runs on the Bitcoin blockchain
* **Ethereum (ETH)** → runs on the Ethereum blockchain
* **Solana (SOL)** → runs on the Solana blockchain

#### ✅ Key Traits of Coins:

* Native to a blockchain
* Used to pay transaction fees (like gas)
* Often have their own network rules

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### 🎟️ What is a Token?

A **token** is built **on top of** an existing blockchain — like Ethereum or Solana — using smart contracts.

#### 💡 Examples:

* **USDT (Tether)** → an ERC-20 token on Ethereum
* **$MANI (Mandalyze AI)** → an SPL token on Solana
* **UNI, SHIBA, APE** → all tokens

#### ✅ Key Traits of Tokens:

* Use another blockchain’s infrastructure
* Can have various uses: utility, governance, NFTs, etc.
* Easier and faster to create than coins

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### 🧠 Easy Analogy

Think of a **coin** like the **main operating system (OS)**\
And a **token** like an **app** built on that OS.

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### 📊 Quick Comparison

| Feature                | Coin                         | Token                          |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Has its own blockchain | ✅ Yes                        | ❌ No (uses another blockchain) |
| Used to pay fees       | ✅ Yes                        | 🔁 Sometimes                   |
| Easy to create         | ❌ No (needs full blockchain) | ✅ Yes (via smart contracts)    |
| Examples               | BTC, ETH, SOL                | USDT, $MANI, UNI, SHIBA        |

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### 🧪 In Summary

Coins are the **foundation layer** (like Bitcoin, Ethereum).\
Tokens are the **applications or assets** built on top.

> 💡 If it’s running the chain — it’s a coin.\
> If it’s running *on* the chain — it’s a token.

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> 🧭 Next Lesson: What is a Wallet? (Custodial vs Non-Custodial)
