Crypto can get pretty crazy sometimes. There are many tokens and DeFi projects that defy expectations and venture into realms of the bizarre and unprecedented. Things often get weird.
This article dives into a selection of the most unusual and intriguing cryptocurrencies and DeFi projects we could find. From tokens backed by whimsical ideas to those with unique, sometimes humorous concepts, this list showcases the novelty and creativity rampant in the crypto space.
However, it’s crucial to note that we are not endorsing any of these projects. Some might carry high risks, and others could even be scams. Our focus is on the novelty and uniqueness of these cryptocurrencies, offering a glimpse into the wilder side of the crypto world rather than suggesting viable investment opportunities. Reader discretion is advised as we explore the 13 most bizarre cryptocurrencies and DeFi projects in 2024.
SolarCoin (SLR) is an innovative digital currency that operates at the intersection of cryptocurrency and renewable energy, specifically targeting the solar power sector. Conceptually, SLR is not merely a cryptocurrency; it’s a decentralized incentive program designed to boost global solar energy production. Each SolarCoin represents 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of verified solar energy generation, creating a direct, tangible link between the token and actual solar energy output. For DeFi enthusiasts, SLR presents a unique blend of environmental impact and blockchain utility, distinguishing it from conventional utility or governance tokens in the crypto space. Here’s a flowchart showing the network theory of value and how SolarCoin works to support solar energy production:
The history of SolarCoin presents a fascinating journey that intertwines the evolving narratives of renewable energy and decentralized finance. Launched in January 2014, SLR was one of the early movers in the space of green cryptocurrencies, a concept that was still nascent at the time. What’s particularly unique about SolarCoin is its distribution mechanism. Unlike traditional mining processes that consume significant energy, SLR is granted to solar energy producers, effectively turning the environmental benefit of solar power into a digital asset. Over the years, SolarCoin has faced challenges typical of niche cryptocurrencies, including fluctuations in adoption and value. Yet, its dual focus on promoting renewable energy and offering a digital incentive has made it a standout project in the crypto world, exemplifying how blockchain technology can be leveraged for environmental purposes.
Ggool is a unique and unconventional digital currency project originating from South Korea. It was developed at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology by Professor Cho Jae-weon, an urban and environmental engineering professor. Dubbed the ultimate “sh*tcoin”, the project involved an eco-friendly toilet named BeeVi, which transforms human waste into biogas and fertilizer. Users of this toilet could earn Ggool, a digital currency, for their contributions. Essentially, the more one used the toilet, the more Ggool they could earn, which could then be used to buy items like coffee, noodles, and books on the university campus.
The pioneering “craptocurrency” was a novel approach to addressing waste management and energy production, highlighting the potential for innovative solutions in the realm of sustainability. It combined the practical aspects of waste processing with the incentive of a digital currency reward, making it a notable experiment in the field of green technology and cryptocurrencies. However, it’s important to note that the project faced challenges in terms of scalability and public interest. The project was eventually concluded in 2022 due to a lack of continued interest — this poopcoin reached the proverbial end of its pipeline, so to speak.
Jesus Coin (JESUS) is a cryptocurrency that intertwines faith with finance. Its concept is to operate like a digital collection plate, promoting generosity and love through blockchain technology. The coin presents a unique blend of religious themes and digital currency, aiming to create a novel space within the DeFi ecosystem.
Jesus Coin, as per its website, positions itself as a decentralized, faith-based cryptocurrency aiming to inspire love and generosity among people. Emphasizing its mission to be a positive influence and a “light in dark places,” the coin is designed to encourage good deeds and charitable actions within communities. Additionally, the project seems to be community-funded and offers a range of merchandise related to the theme.
The 1CC token is an integral component of the One Click Crypto platform, a DeFi initiative designed to streamline the process of portfolio management and investment in the crypto space. The 1CC token operates as the primary vehicle for value accrual within the One Click Crypto ecosystem, offering a range of utilities to its holders, from revenue sharing to governance participation. One Click Crypto’s approach to DeFi investment is novel, presenting a simplified yet comprehensive platform for users of various levels of experience in crypto and DeFi. It aspires to be the DeFi equivalent of an S&P 500 index, providing diversified exposure to a broad array of yield farming opportunities through a single token.
As for the history of the 1CC token, One Click Crypto’s roadmap outlines an ambitious plan to expand its offerings and reach within the DeFi space. The development of the platform is structured into multiple phases, each focusing on specific aspects of the ecosystem, such as decentralized routing, customized robo-advisory engines, and the integration of portfolio managers and automated yield farming strategies. The promise of 1CC lies in its integration within the One Click Crypto ecosystem, offering a unique blend of financial incentives, governance participation, and ease of use for DeFi investments. However, its success will ultimately depend on user adoption, the effective implementation of its features, and its ability to navigate the competitive DeFi landscape.
It is worth noting that the 1CC token is not yet launched and is anticipated to be released in 2024. Qualified users can still participate in private sales for the upcoming 1CC token at an early price by filling out this form.
Siacoin (SC) operates within the DeFi space as an innovative proposition, focusing on the utilization of blockchain technology for cloud storage. The core concept of Siacoin is to facilitate a peer-to-peer storage network, allowing users to rent out their unused hard drive space in exchange for Siacoin tokens. This system not only provides a use case for the surplus storage capacity available worldwide but also decentralizes the data storage market, traditionally dominated by large corporations. Users of the network can act as either hosts, offering their unused storage, or clients, seeking secure and affordable storage solutions. The incorporation of smart contracts ensures agreements between parties are adhered to, with payments in SC tokens automated and secure. This approach leverages the strengths of blockchain, such as security, transparency, and reduced reliance on centralized intermediaries. Read about the state of Siacoin as of December 2023 in their latest blog.
The inception of Siacoin traces back to 2015, a period when the crypto world was still in its relative infancy and diverse applications of blockchain were being explored. Siacoin emerged as a novel solution addressing the inefficiencies and centralization issues prevalent in traditional cloud storage services. Its launch was not marked by the fanfare that accompanied many ICOs of the era; instead, Siacoin steadily built its network, focusing on technological robustness and user adoption. A unique aspect of Siacoin’s history is its emphasis on practical utility over speculative trading, a stance somewhat rare in the early days of cryptocurrencies. This focus on utility has led to continuous development and improvements in the platform, aiming to make it more user-friendly and efficient. The project’s journey offers a glimpse into how blockchain technology can be applied beyond mere financial transactions, providing a tangible solution to real-world problems like data storage.
Imagine making a Kanye West crypto today. Coinye, initially named Coinye West, was an early memecoin directly inspired by the flamboyant personality of rapper Kanye West. This digital currency, created as a parody, symbolized the early Wild West era of cryptocurrencies, where almost any theme or concept could be turned into a token. Its creation and marketing heavily leaned on the celebrity image of Kanye West, aiming to capitalize on his popularity and controversial reputation.. way back in 2014! It was different then, before Kanye became Ye. The theme of the token was more or less mocking the celeb in the same way the writers of South Park did.
The history of Coinye is marked by its immediate controversy and legal challenges. Upon launch in 2014, it quickly gained attention not only for its quirky theme but also for the legal backlash from Kanye West himself, who took swift legal action against the creators for unauthorized use of his name and likeness. This legal pressure led to a rebranding attempt, dropping ‘West’ from the name, but the damage was done and the altcoin founders were forced to end the project.
Did you know there was more than one “Bitcoin” blockchain? Bitcoin SV (BSV) is a cryptocurrency that emerged from a hard fork of Bitcoin Cash, which itself is a hard fork of Bitcoin, but BSV is designed to restore the original Bitcoin protocol and scale on-chain. It emphasizes larger block sizes and increased scalability.
BSV’s history is intertwined with the controversial figure of Craig Wright, an Australian computer scientist who claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator. This claim has been a subject of debate and legal battles in the crypto community. Wright’s involvement in BSV and his contentious claim add a dramatic narrative to the coin’s history, setting it apart in the cryptocurrency world.
At the time of writing, BSV is currently priced around $50, with a market cap of nearly $1 billion, ranking it 70th on CoinGecko. It has a 24-hour trading volume over $32 million. I mention this simply to highlight the fact that, while many are skeptical of Dr. Craig Wright’s claims of being Satoshi Nakamoto and inventing Bitcoin, there are many who do believe in him, and in BSV.
STEPN (GMT), a web3 lifestyle application, has been a trailblazer in the “move-to-earn” concept within the blockchain industry. This innovative app integrates elements of SocialFi and GameFi, rewarding users for engaging in physical activities like walking, jogging, or running. By effectively leveraging an old concept of exercising, STEPN has made significant strides in popularizing the move-to-earn model, offering financial incentives for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Created by Find Satoshi Lab, an Australian fintech studio, STEPN gained significant attention following its success in the 2021 Solana Ignition Hackathon Gaming Track. The app requires users to purchase NFT sneakers using Solana (SOL), which then allows them to earn points by physically moving. These points, classified as game currency, can be used for various rewards like upgrading sneakers or converting them into real-world money. STEPN operates on a dual-token economy model, featuring the Green Satoshi Token (GST) as the utility token and the Green Metaverse Token (GMT) as the governance token. The supply of GMT tokens is capped at 6 billion. The app’s launch was met with considerable success, as the price of GMT tokens soared by over 2000% shortly after its release, marking it as one of the top-performing web3 crypto tokens of 2022.
This is exactly what you think it is, but also so much more. The MAGA $TRUMP token, launched on August 11, 2023, is an altcoin on Ethereum, marketed as the first to support Donald Trump’s anticipated 2024 presidential bid. There have been several of these in the past, but this is the most recent one and it’s actually doing a lot more than just memes. They’ve even got a DAO and pretty significant holdings.
It implements a 1% tax on transactions, with portions allocated for purchasing Trump digital trading cards, donations to U.S. veterans, child rescue organizations, marketing, development, and liquidity. The token has a total supply of 47,000,000. Notably, the website emphasizes that this cryptocurrency is created for entertainment purposes and is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by Donald Trump.
Please don’t tell me you’re still afraid to go on the dark web. DeepOnion (ONION) is a privacy-centric cryptocurrency that operates over the TOR network, offering heightened anonymity and security. Its key feature is the integration with the TOR network, ensuring users’ transactions and identities remain untraceable and protected from surveillance. This focus on privacy makes DeepOnion akin to a digital secret agent, utilizing layers of security and anonymity mechanisms inherent in the TOR system.
Launched in 2017, DeepOnion emerged during a period when concerns over digital privacy and surveillance were intensifying. Its use of the TOR network, typically associated with the dark web, adds a layer of intrigue and positions it uniquely among privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. DeepOnion’s history is marked by its steadfast commitment to providing a secure and anonymous transactional platform, a response to the growing demand for privacy in the digital age. This commitment has garnered attention in both cryptocurrency circles and broader discussions about digital privacy.
This coin is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Banano (BAN) is a playful and engaging cryptocurrency that adopts a whimsical approach to digital transactions, encapsulating the fun aspect of crypto trading and tipping. This cryptocurrency differentiates itself through its lighthearted, banana-themed branding, and a user-friendly interface, designed to make crypto transactions amusing and accessible. It’s designed for ease of use, with a focus on social media integrations for hassle-free tipping and microtransactions. Key features below.
Banano’s history is characterized by its emphasis on community engagement and social interaction. Launched in April 2018, it quickly garnered a following for its unique approach to crypto, emphasizing fun and social elements. The coin has been particularly popular on social media platforms, where its tipping system allows users to easily send small amounts of Banano as a form of appreciation or reward. This use case highlights Banano’s role in fostering a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere in the often serious and complex world of cryptocurrency, making it stand out as a distinctive project in the DeFi space.
A hazy history lesson. PotCoin (POT), conceived as the cryptocurrency for the legal cannabis industry, aimed to solve the unique financial challenges faced by this sector. It sought to provide a decentralized and secure payment method specific to the marijuana market. However, the rationale for a cannabis-specific cryptocurrency has been questioned, as the broader crypto market offers various options suitable for any industry. They sure had fun around the 2018 memecoin cycle though!
PotCoin’s history reflects the challenges of aligning a digital currency with a specific industry. Launched in 2014, it attempted to capitalize on the growing legalization of cannabis. Yet, the necessity of an industry-specific token has been debated. Many in the DeFi space argue that the general-purpose nature of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum makes them equally viable for industries like cannabis, reducing the need for specialized tokens like PotCoin. This perspective highlights a broader understanding in the crypto world: the universality of major cryptocurrencies often supersedes the need for niche-specific digital currencies. PotCoin stands as a stark reminder of this fact.
Pirate Chain (ARRR) is a cryptocurrency that emphasizes privacy, using advanced technologies to ensure transactions are untraceable. It operates on the principle of complete anonymity, much like the secretive nature of pirates hiding their treasures. This digital currency is designed for users who prioritize privacy above all else in their transactions. My favorite thing about ARRR is the fact that they call their wallets Treasure Chests, but here are the features most normal people care about:
Launched in 2018, Pirate Chain’s history is marked by its focus on creating a highly secure and private transaction environment. It uses a combination of technologies, including zk-SNARKs and dPoW, to enhance security and privacy. The project’s theme, centered around pirates, adds a playful and intriguing element, aligning with its focus on hidden transactions. Pirate Chain’s approach and thematic branding offer a unique perspective in the cryptocurrency world, highlighting the growing demand for privacy-focused digital currencies.
As we’ve seen, the realm of cryptocurrencies extends far beyond the conventional, often venturing into the extraordinary and unexpected. The 13 cryptocurrencies highlighted in this article, ranging from SolarCoin’s environmentally conscious model to the whimsicality of Banano, exemplify the diversity and creativity prevalent in the crypto space. Each project, whether driven by social causes, innovative concepts, or sheer novelty, contributes to the ever-expanding boundaries of blockchain technology and decentralized finance.
However, it’s crucial for readers and potential investors to approach these projects with caution and due diligence. While some may offer unique opportunities and demonstrate the potential of blockchain technology in various sectors, others might carry risks or uncertainties. The vibrant and often unpredictable nature of the crypto world underscores the need for thorough research and a discerning approach to investment. As we continue to witness the evolution of this dynamic space, it’s evident that the fusion of creativity, technology, and finance will keep generating intriguing and unusual projects that challenge our perceptions of what cryptocurrency can be.
Remember, this exploration into the most unusual cryptocurrencies is not an endorsement of their viability or potential success. As with any investment, especially in the volatile and complex world of crypto, it’s essential to make informed decisions based on comprehensive research and personal risk assessment.
Disclaimer: This article, including insights on memecoins, altcoins, and other DeFi strategies, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice, investment recommendations, or an endorsement of any particular investment or strategy. The cryptocurrency and DeFi markets are highly volatile and unpredictable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The author makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with independent financial advisors before making any investment decisions. By using this information, you agree that the author is not liable for any losses or damages arising from your investment choices.
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