How_Money_Works_-_The_Facts_Visually_Explained

(Greg DeLong) #1

222 223


T


r
a

d


it


io
nal^ curre
n
c
y

PERSONAL FINANCE

Money in the digital age

The total worth of all coins and
their daily trading volume
A high total worth can indicate a
high value per “coin”, or it can simply
mean that there are a lot of coins in
circulation. The daily trading volume
is an indicator of the number of coins
that change hands in a day. It is best
to review the two statistics together.
A cryptocurrency that has a very
substantial trading volume as well
as a high market capitalization is
likely to have a high value.

The means used to secure and
verify transfers
Different cryptocurrencies have
varying ways of verifying and
securing transactions. The systems
rely on complex mathematical
problems, and their effectiveness is
based on the time a transaction takes
and its vulnerability to attack. Most
currencies use one of two systems,
Proof of Work (bitcoin) or Proof of
Stake, or a combination of both, to
ensure the best network security.

HOW TO VALUE CRYPTOCURRENCY


700+


number of


cryptocurrencies


available for


trading


CONTROL
Secure encryption
is built in to the code
of each virtual coin.
Continually changing
complex mathematical
puzzles prevents
counterfeiting.

STORE
Cryptocurrencies
are held in the digital
wallets of individuals.
Records are kept
on a virtual
ledger.

TRANSFER
Anyone with
online access can
make transfers. Such
transfers are virtually
anonymous and their
fees low or negligible.

VALUE
Cryptocurrencies
become more valuable
when they are easier to
use, transaction time is
faster and more secure,
and the number
of retailers using
them rises.

MAKE
“Miners” create
virtual “coins” using
special hardware.
The coins are then
registered on an online
public ledger.

C


C


r
y
pt

ocu
rren
cy

222-223_Cryptocurrency.indd 223 13/10/2016 16:10
Free download pdf