Introduction to ERC-20 Tokens
ERC-20 tokens represent the cornerstone of tokenization on the Ethereum blockchain. As the most widely adopted token standard, they enable seamless interoperability across decentralized applications (dApps), wallets, and exchanges. This guide explores the top 50 ERC-20 tokens by market capitalization, their functionalities, and the ecosystem they power.
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The ERC-20 Token Standard: Key Features
Why ERC-20 Matters
- Interoperability: Ensures uniform behavior across all Ethereum-based tokens.
- Smart Contract Compatibility: Tokens automatically adhere to predefined rules (e.g., transfers, approvals).
- Widespread Adoption: Supported by 90%+ of Ethereum wallets and exchanges.
Core Functions
- Total Supply: Fixed or dynamic token quantities.
- Balance Tracking:
balanceOffunction verifies holdings. - Transfers: Standardized
transferandtransferFrommethods.
Top 50 ERC-20 Tokens Ranked (2024)
| Rank | Token | Symbol | Price | Market Cap | 24h Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tether USD | USDT | $1.00 | $157.84B | -0.03% |
| 2 | USDC | USDC | $1.00 | $61.62B | -0.05% |
| 3 | Lido Staked Ether | stETH | $2,800 | $22.23B | -0.73% |
| 4 | Wrapped BTC | WBTC | $42,000 | $15.11B | -0.46% |
| 5 | wstETH | wstETH | $3,100 | $10.34B | -1.39% |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 50 | Wrapped BNB | WBNB | $310 | $870M | -0.71% |
Data as of June 2024. Prices reflect stablecoin pegs or volatile asset valuations.
Trending ERC-20 Tokens
Top Gainers (Last 30 Days)
- ARBITRUM (ARB): +5.33%
- Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET): +3.35%
- GateToken (GT): +1.98%
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How ERC-20 Tokens Work
Creation Process
- Smart Contract Deployment: Developers write code adhering to ERC-20 rules.
- Token Parameters: Set name (e.g., "Shiba Inu"), symbol (SHIB), and decimals (18).
- Deployment: Contract goes live on Ethereum mainnet/testnet.
Use Cases
- Stablecoins: USDT, USDC.
- DeFi Governance: UNI, AAVE.
- Meme Tokens: SHIB, PEPE.
FAQ: ERC-20 Tokens Demystified
Q1: Are ERC-20 tokens only used for payments?
A: No—they represent assets (e.g., real estate), utility (e.g., platform access), or governance rights.
Q2: What’s the difference between WBTC and BTC?
A: WBTC is an ERC-20 token backed 1:1 by Bitcoin, enabling BTC use on Ethereum dApps.
Q3: How do I store ERC-20 tokens safely?
A: Use non-custodial wallets like MetaMask or Ledger. Never share private keys.
Q4: Can ERC-20 tokens be mined?
A: No. Tokens are minted via smart contracts; supply is predetermined.
Key Statistics
- Total Market Cap: $445 billion (-0.31% daily).
- Tokens Listed: 18,414+.
- Category Rank: #8 among crypto sectors.
Final Thoughts
ERC-20 tokens democratize access to blockchain utilities—from stablecoins to governance tokens. Their standardized framework ensures reliability, while innovations like wrapped assets (e.g., WBTC) bridge ecosystems. As Ethereum evolves, expect ERC-20 to remain pivotal in decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond.
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