$ETH Ethereum — is the second most popular cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, but unlike Bitcoin, it was originally created not just as a digital currency, but as a platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. It was founded by Vitalik Buterin in 2015.

Ethereum allows developers to launch programs that operate without intermediaries, censorship, or downtime. It is the foundation for DeFi, NFT, DAO, and many other modern crypto projects. Recently, it transitioned from proof-of-work to a more environmentally friendly proof-of-stake, significantly reducing the network's energy consumption.