A cryptocurrency (or crypto currency) is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange wherein individual coin ownership records are stored in a ledger existing in a form of computerized database using strong cryptography to secure transaction records, to control the creation of additional coins, and to verify the transfer of coin ownership.[1][2] It typically does not exist in physical form (like paper money) and is typically not issued by a central authority. Cryptocurrencies typically use decentralized control as opposed to centralized digital currency and central banking systems.[3] When a cryptocurrency is minted or created prior to issuance or issued by a single issuer, it is generally considered centralized. When implemented with decentralized control, each cryptocurrency works through distributed ledger technology, typically a blockchain, that serves as a public financial transaction database.[4]

Bitcoin, first released as open-source software in 2009, is the first decentralized cryptocurrency.[5] Since the release of bitcoin, over 6,000 altcoins (alternative variants of bitcoin, or other cryptocurrencies) have been created.

Ex: CRYPTO CURRENCY

BITCOIN

ETHERUIM

BITCOIN CASH

LITE COIN

MONERO

DOGE COIN

DASH

NEM

PETRO

PEERCOIN

NXT

PRIME COIN

COIN YE

GRID COIN

TIT COIN

POT COIN

ECT... THIER ARE STILL MANY MORE BUT THAT ARE ONLY FEW EXAMPLE.