Ethereum Classic (ETC): price, chart and where to buy
📋 Index
Ethereum Classic ETC
Ranked 69 by market capEthereum Classic price history is temporarily unavailable.
Key figures
| Market cap Price multiplied by the number of units in circulation. | 997,134,451 € |
|---|---|
| 24h volume What changed hands in a day. Thin volume makes selling back hard. | 25,145,801 € |
| Fully diluted valuation What the project would be worth if every planned unit already existed. | 997,134,451 € |
| Circulating | 158,896,718 ETC |
| Total supply | 158,896,718 ETC |
| Maximum supply A hard cap is rare: most cryptocurrencies can issue indefinitely. | 210,700,000 ETC |
| 24h range | 6.24 € – 6.40 € |
| All-time high The percentage shows how far today's price sits from that peak. | 138.61 € (-95.47 %) — 06/05/2021 |
| All-time low | 0.56 € — 24/07/2016 |
| Year created | 2015 |
| Algorithm | Ethash |
| Categories | Smart Contract Platform, Layer 1 (L1), Proof of Work (PoW), Coinbase 50 Index |
Project website: ethereumclassic.org
Where to buy Ethereum Classic: the real cost of 500 €
| Exchange | You receive | Gap to market | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LBank best price | 79,92498 ETC | 0.10 % | See the offer |
| BloFin | 79,66401 ETC | 0.43 % | See the offer |
| CoinW | 79,573637 ETC | 0.54 % | See the offer |
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Ethereum Classic c’est quoi : the original vision of immutability
What happens when a blockchain community faces a crisis of conscience? For those asking Ethereum Classic c’est quoi, the answer lies in a refusal to rewrite history. This network represents the original, unaltered version of the Ethereum blockchain. It emerged from a fundamental disagreement regarding how to handle a major security breach in 2016. While others chose to reverse the event, this community stood firm. They believed that a decentralized ledger must remain permanent.
⚠️ Warning: Immutability is a double-edged sword because it prevents the reversal of any transaction, even those resulting from errors or malicious hacks.
The historical split and the birth of a philosophy
The origins of this protocol trace back to a defining moment in crypto history. Following the exploitation of a decentralized autonomous organization, a hard fork was proposed. Most users migrated to a new chain, but a dedicated group remained on the legacy network. Their motivation was simple: code is law. They argued that if a blockchain can be edited by human intervention, it loses its core value proposition.
Why did they stay behind? Principles dictate action. By maintaining the original path, they preserved a system where no central authority can censor or alter data. This decision created a permanent divide. It separated those who prioritize social consensus from those who prioritize mathematical permanence.
💡 Tip: Distinguish the protocol’s underlying philosophy from its market fluctuations to understand its long-term survival in a volatile ecosystem.
How the network operates technically
The architecture of the system relies on a Proof of Work consensus mechanism. This requires miners to solve complex puzzles to secure the network. It mirrors the security model used by the earliest cryptocurrencies. The network supports smart contracts, allowing developers to build decentralized applications. These programs run exactly as programmed without the possibility of downtime or third-party interference.
Can the supply grow indefinitely? No. The protocol features a hard cap on its issuance. This scarcity is a core component of its economic design.
| Consensus mechanism | Proof of Work |
| Maximum supply | 210,700 |
| Core principle | Code is Law |
| Primary function | Smart Contracts |
🚫 Pitfall: Assuming that ETC and its forked counterpart share the same development roadmap is a mistake, as they have diverged significantly since 2016.
An objective avis on its modern utility
In the current landscape, the network serves as a specialized environment for developers. It attracts those who value extreme decentralization. While other platforms chase high speeds, this chain focuses on censorship resistance. It is the digital equivalent of a granite monument. Once something is written, it stays.
Does it still attract builders? Yes. The network provides a stable foundation for projects that require a predictable environment. It remains a pure implementation of the original vision for a world computer. Its existence proves that a blockchain can survive solely on the strength of its convictions. On May 6, 2021, the market observed a significant historical peak in its valuation, marking a notable moment in its timeline.
Is the Ethereum Classic network secure?
Security on this chain depends on the total hash rate provided by miners. By using Proof of Work, it requires massive computational power to alter the ledger. This makes the network resistant to traditional censorship. However, like any decentralized system, its strength is tied to the participation of its global community of validators.
What is the purpose of the ETC token?
The token functions as the fuel for the network’s decentralized engine. It is used to pay for transaction fees, often referred to as gas. Users also utilize it to interact with smart contracts or move value across the chain. Because the total supply is capped at 210,700, the token follows a disinflationary model.
How does it differ from other smart contract platforms?
The primary difference is the commitment to total immutability. Most modern platforms allow for governance interventions or upgrades that can change past states. This network rejects such changes. It remains a “pure” blockchain where human intervention is intentionally limited. This makes it a unique choice for those who distrust centralized governance.
