Definition: crypto token

A representation of a digital or physical asset on a blockchain. "Native" crypto tokens are the built-in currency on a blockchain. For example, BTC is the native crypto on Bitcoin, and ETH is the native crypto on Ethereum. There are other native cryptos, such as SOL on the Solana blockchain and ADA on the Cardano chain. When transactions are added to a blockchain, the fees are paid in the native crypto. See native cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency.

Fungible Tokens
Crypto tokens such as BTC and ETH are examples of fungible tokens, because like a dollar bill, each token has the same value as any other. Fungible tokens can be issued for governance, where users have some say in the project based on the quantity of tokens they hold.

Countless "non-native" crypto tokens have been launched on Ethereum, each representing some project that its creator claims will be a huge success. As of April 2023, CoinMarketCap listed more than 9,000 non-native crypto tokens. Unfortunately, the vast majority are worthless or just plain scams. See Ethereum and exit scam.

Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
Non-fungible tokens certify a unique object, which can be anything. For example, an NFT can certify ownership of art, a collectible or a property in a game or virtual world. NFTs can also certify ownership of one-of-a-kind objects in the real world. See NFT, Ethereum token and tokenomics.

The Useless Ethereum Token (UET)

In 2017, the UET initial coin offering (ICO) clearly stated that the tokens are worthless. Nevertheless, the token price reached $40 before dropping dramatically. "How do I get a refund for the tokens I bought" was a frequently asked question on the UET website, and the answer was "You're kidding, right?"