How to create a cryptocurrency and how much does it cost to make a cryptocurrency

When creating a new cryptocurrency, you can choose to make a coin or token. A coin has its own blockchain, while a token is built on a pre-existing network. Cryptocurrencies rely on blockchains for their security and decentralized nature. Your choice of a token or coin will change depending on the customizability and utility you want. Overall, the costs involved depend on the work needed, like external developers and time.

Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain are popular blockchains for creating digital currencies. You can either use established code to create tokens yourself or pay to use a coin creation service. Sidechains are another popular choice as they provide more customization with the main blockchain’s benefits.Before creating your own crypto, you'll need to consider its utility, tokenomics, and legal status. After this, your choice of blockchain, consensus mechanism, and architecture are all needed for the development stage. Next, you could consider an audit of your project and a final legal check. While pretty much anyone can create a cryptocurrency, developing a solid project requires serious work and dedication.

This article will show you how to create a cryptocurrency and how much does it cost to make a cryptocurrency.

What is a cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency, also known as crypto, is a type of digital asset with multiple use cases. It's primarily a way to transfer value between people digitally, including monetary value, ownership rights, or even voting privileges. Crypto differs from other digital payment systems because of its roots in blockchain technology. This basis gives cryptocurrencies more freedom from central entities like governments or banks. Bitcoinis the most famous example of a cryptocurrency. It has a simple use case of transferring monetary value to anyone across the globe without the need for intermediaries. Its blockchain records all transactions and ensures security and network stability.

Difference between crypto coins and tokens

Cryptocurrencies can roughly be split into two categories: coins and tokens. The difference between them is simple. Coins have their own native blockchain, like Bitcoin, for example. Ether (ETH) has the Ethereum blockchain. Coins typically have a specific utility over the whole network, like paying for transaction fees, staking, or taking part in governance.

Tokens are built on pre-existing blockchains. They might have some similar roles to coins, but tokens mainly have utility in their own projects. One example is PancakeSwap'sCAKE on BNB Smart Chain. You can also use it to pay for certain transactions in the PancakeSwap ecosystem, like minting Non-Fungible Tokensor playing their lottery. However, CAKE doesn’t have its own blockchain, so it cant be used in every application across BSC. The same is true for the thousands of ERC-20tokens issued on the Ethereum blockchain. Each token is part of a specific project with different use cases.

Creating crypto coins vs. tokens

As mentioned, creating a token is much simpler than creating a coin. A coin requires you to develop and successfully maintain a blockchain. You could fork(create a copy) another existing chain, but this doesn't solve the problem of finding users and validators to help your network survive. Nevertheless, the potential for success with a new coin can be higher than just making a token.

Creating a coin

Creating a new coin can take a lot of time if you develop your own blockchain. However, forking a previous blockchain can be done speedily and used as a base for your new coin. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)is one example of a forked project. To do this, you still need a high level of blockchain technical and coding knowledge. The success of your project will also rely on getting new users to your blockchain network, which is a challenge.

Creating a token

Creating a token on an existing blockchain can leverage its reputation and security. While you won't have complete control over all aspects of your token, there is still a lot of customization available. There are a variety of websites and tools available to create your own token, especially on BSC and Ethereum

Should I create a coin or a token for my project?

A token will usually be enough for Decentralized Finance (DeFi)applications or play-to-earn games. Both BSC and Ethereum have a massive amount of flexibility and freedom for developers to work with. If you're looking to push the limits of what a coin or blockchain does, creating a coin with its own blockchain would likely be better. Creating a new blockchain and coin is certainly harder than issuing a crypto token. But if done right, it can bring lots of innovation and new possibilities. BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon are good examples.

Things to consider when designing your crypto

There are a few other key areas to consider.

Define your cryptocurrency's utility. Cryptocurrencies can play many roles. Some act like keys to access services. Others even represent stocks or other financial assets. To understand and map out the process of creating your crypto, you'll need to define itsfeatures from the beginning.

Design your tokenomics. Tokenomics are the economics that govern your crypto, like total supply, distribution method, and initial pricing. A good idea can fail if the tokenomics aren't correct and users aren't incentivized to purchase the cryptocurrency. For example, if you're creating a stablecoinbut cannot peg it correctly, no one will want to buy or hold it.

Check its legal compliance.Countries around the world have their own laws and rules regarding cryptocurrencies. Some jurisdictions may even ban the use of cryptocurrencies. Consider fully your legal obligations and any compliance issues you might face.

Create your own cryptocurrency in 7 steps

If you're only creating a token, not every step in the tutorial below will apply. What's more important would be the three design steps above. Most of our instructions will cover the basics of creating a blockchain first before finally minting your coin.

1. Choose a suitable blockchain platform

For a token, you'll need to pick the blockchain to mint your crypto on. BSC and Etheruem are popular options, but side chains can also be a good idea. To create your own coin, you'll need to think about designing or hiring someone to create a custom blockchain.

2. Pick a consensus mechanism

If you're creating your own blockchain or aren't sure which one to pick for your token, think about the consensus mechanism you want. These mechanisms determine how participants confirm and validate transactions on the network.

3. Design your blockchain architecture

This step is only needed if you're creating a coin. Not every blockchain allows the public to validate transactions or run nodes. The decision between having a private, public, permissioned, or permissionless blockchainis important. Your blockchain architecture will depend on what your coin and project are attempting to do.

4. Begin blockchain development

Unless you have expert development knowledge, you'll need external help to build your ideas. Once the blockchain runs in a live environment, it's extremely difficult to change its core concepts and rules. Make use of a testnet to ensure that everything works as planned and ideally cooperate with a whole development team to build your blockchain.

5. Audit your crypto and its code

Auditing companies like Certik can check the code of your blockchain and its cryptocurrency to look for any vulnerabilities. You can then publish the audit publicly and also act on its findings. This process provides some safety assurance for you as the creator and for any potential users or investors.

6. Double-check legal aspects

Now that you have your blockchain running and are ready to mint your cryptocurrency, it's best to ask for expert legal advice to check whether you will need to apply for permission. Again, this step is difficult to achieve alone and requires outside help.

7. Mint your cryptocurrency

Whether you're creating a token or coin, you will need to mint the cryptocurrency at some point. The exact method will differ based on your tokenomics. For example, fixed supply tokens are usually minted all in one go via a smart contract. Coins like Bitcoin are minted gradually, as miners validate new blocks of transactions.

How to get your cryptocurrency listed

Getting your coin or token listed on a cryptocurrency exchange like Binance can introduce it to a broader audience in a safe and regulated way. Every cryptocurrency goes through a rigorous due diligence process, and you'll need to update Binance regularly of your progress during the application. You'll also need to accept BNBand BUSDin your cryptocurrency's ecosystem, such as providing them as liquidityor accepting them during your initial coin offering (ICO)or token sale.

Cost of creating your own cryptocurrency

The costs involved are linked to the methods and setup you choose. If you're creating a coin and blockchain you'll likely have to pay a whole team over multiple months. A code audit from a reliable team can also cost around $15,000 (USD). At its cheapest, a simple token on BSC can be done for $50.

Closing thoughts

If you decide to make your own cryptocurrency, make sure to use our information only as a starting point. It's a deep topic that takes a long time to understand fully. Hope this article can provide you with a further understanding about how to create a cryptocurrency and how much does it cost to make a cryptocurrency.