Blog

Virtual currencies: Bitcoin and beyond [infographic]

Bitcoin claims most of the headlines, but literally hundreds of other virtual currencies are vying for attention, as well.

November 25, 2014

When it comes to virtual (aka "digital") currency, bitcoin gets the lion's share of coverage in the mass media — in part because it was the first fully implemented currency of its kind. Also in part because it's the No. 1 virtual currency in terms of total market value.

However, plenty of other virtual currencies have been forged along with bitcoin — at last count, more than 500 in all.

The following infographic presents just a few of the front-runners in the industry, along with information about when they were created, their market cap, and some of the merchants who accept them. In addition, we've included notes on a handful of lesser-known virtual currencies that have interesting backstories.

+ click to enlarge image