May 2024’s Top 10 Picks for Cryptocurrency Investments Guide.

Stephan Hall
Coinmonks
5 min readMay 14, 2024

--

With so many cryptocurrencies, ranging from Bitcoin and Ethereum to Dogecoin and Tether, entering the world of crypto can feel like navigating a maze at first. To help clarify, here’s a curated list of the top ten cryptocurrencies for investment, ranked by market capitalization — the total value of all coins now in circulation.

What Are Cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are digital assets built on blockchain technology that allow for decentralized circulation without the need for traditional banking or government oversight. The market currently has over two million cryptocurrency projects, contributing to a staggering $1.76 trillion valuation.

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

  • Market cap: $1.3 trillion
  • Year-over-year return: 128%

Bitcoin (BTC), founded in 2009 by the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto, is regarded as the pioneer of cryptocurrencies. BTC transactions are recorded across a decentralized network of computers using the blockchain technology. Its security is assured by a procedure known as proof of work, in which cryptographic puzzles must be solved to confirm ledger changes and protect against fraudulent operations.

Bitcoin’s meteoric leap to prominence has been nothing short of astonishing. In May 2016, one bitcoin could be purchased for approximately $500. Fast forward to May 7, 2024, and its price has risen to about $63,540, representing a staggering increase of 12,608%.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

  • Market cap: $369.0 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 65%

Ethereum (ETH) is a cryptocurrency as well as a versatile blockchain platform that is popular among developers due to its wide range of applications. Its novel features include smart contracts, which execute autonomously depending on predefined conditions, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which enable a wide range of applications.

Ethereum’s growth trajectory has been nothing short of spectacular. Ethereum has grown from approximately $11 in April 2016 to around $3,072 by the end of May 2024, an astounding 27,829% increase.

3. Tether (USDT)

  • Market cap: $111.0 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 0%

Tether (USDT) stands apart from other cryptocurrencies as a stablecoin, which is backed by fiat currencies such as the US dollar and the Euro and aims to maintain a consistent value corresponding to these values. This stability appeals to investors seeking sanctuary from the volatility inherent in many other digital assets, as USDT is supposedly more stable in value.

4. Binance Coin (BNB)

  • Market cap: $87.4 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 86%

Binance Coin (BNB) is a flexible cryptocurrency used for trading and fee payments on Binance, one of the world’s top cryptocurrency exchanges. BNB’s utility was initially launched in 2017 primarily for exchange transactions, but it has now expanded dramatically to include payment processing and even travel bookings. Furthermore, it can be traded against a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum and Bitcoin.

Starting at $0.10 in 2017, BNB’s value skyrocketed to about $592 by late May 2024, representing an incredible gain of 591,883%.

5. Solana (SOL)

  • Market cap: $69.4 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 625%

Solana is designed to power decentralized financial (DeFi) applications, decentralized apps (DApps), and smart contracts. It runs on a unique hybrid proof-of-stake and proof-of-history structure, ensuring fast and secure transaction processing. At the centre of the platform is SOL, Solana’s native coin that powers its ecosystem.

SOL, which debuted in 2020 at $0.77, experienced an astonishing climb by late May 2024, reaching roughly $154.97, representing an extraordinary gain of 20,026%.

6. U.S. Dollar Coin (USDC)

  • Market cap: $33.2 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 0%

USD Coin (USDC), like Tether, is a stablecoin backed by US dollars that aims for 1:1 parity. USDC, which is built on the Ethereum network, allows for frictionless global transactions while providing stability in the face of cryptocurrency volatility.

7. XRP (XRP)

  • Market cap: $29.6 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 23%

XRP, created by some of Ripple’s founders, functions as a bridge currency on the Ripple network, allowing the exchange of many currency kinds, including fiat currencies and major cryptocurrencies.

XRP’s value rose from $0.006 in early 2017 to $0.54 on May 7, 2024, representing a remarkable 8,835% rise.

8. Dogecoin (DOGE)

  • Market cap: $22.6 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 109%

Dogecoin began as a lighthearted joke in 2013, but quickly gained popularity because to its dynamic community and creative memes. Dogecoin’s value, which is distinguished by its unlimited supply, runs the risk of devaluation as more coins are created.

Dogecoin’s starting price of $0.0002 in 2017 soared to $0.16 by May 2024, representing a staggering growth of 78,273%.

9. Toncoin (TON)

  • Market cap: $20.6 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 196%

Toncoin began as a layer-1 blockchain designed for Telegram’s encrypted messaging platform and went through a transformational journey, from its genesis under Telegram to adoption by the TONNE Foundation. The original “Telegram Open Network” has been renamed “The Open Network,” and both are usually referred to by their acronym, TONNE.

Toncoin, formerly known as Gramme, acts as TON’s native token, allowing for smooth transactions on its fast and environmentally friendly network.

10. Cardano (ADA)

  • Market cap: $16.1 billion
  • Year-over-year return: 21%

Cardano (ADA), which entered the crypto market later, distinguishes itself by using proof-of-stake validation early on, increasing transaction speed while reducing energy usage and environmental effect. Cardano uses a more efficient approach to validation than bitcoin’s competitive process.

Also Read…..

<<Cryptocurrency Forecast: Is OYO Token Your Ticket to Wealth by 2025?

<<Is It Possible for Polkadot’s Price to Reach $1,000?

<<OYO Tokens: A 11% Profit-Sharing Opportunity for All!

<<Bitcoin Halving 2024: A Quiet Evolution

Disclaimer : Cryptocurrency investments carry risks like market volatility and regulatory changes. Do your research and consult a professional before investing. My content is for educational purposes only, and while I strive for accuracy, I can’t guarantee it. Invest at your own risk.

--

--

Stephan Hall
Coinmonks

I’m not saying Bitcoin is definitely the future, but I am definitely saying definitely Bitcoin can be the future. #Bitcoin #Ethereum #Dogecoin #Blockchain #defi