Cryptocurrency Evolution

Welcome to the History of Crypto, a series by that takes a look back at the most important events in the world of cryptocurrency. In this article, we will be exploring the years 2013 to 2015, a period of both advancements and challenges in the crypto industry.

During this time, Bitcoin started gaining mainstream adoption, marking a significant shift in the recognition of digital currencies. It was also during this period that the infamous Mt. Gox incident occurred, highlighting the risks and volatility of the crypto market. This era also witnessed the birth of the first memecoin and non-fungible token (NFT), expanding the creativity and functionality of the crypto landscape.

One of the most important developments during this period was the birth of the Ethereum network. This groundbreaking platform not only focused on digital currency but also introduced smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). This was a crucial moment that set the foundation for future innovations and challenges in the cryptocurrency movement.

Bitcoin continued to expand during this period. After the first Bitcoin halving in 2012, its price reached a milestone of $1 billion in market capitalization in March 2013. Bitcoin also reached an all-time high of $190 during the Cyprus banking crisis in April 2013, highlighting its potential as an alternative to the traditional financial system. Its value also experienced significant drops, showing the volatility of the market.

Mt. Gox, the largest crypto exchange at the time, faced its own challenges. It temporarily halted withdrawals and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2014 after it was revealed that millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin had been compromised. Despite this setback, other exchanges like Okcoin, Kraken, and Coinbase emerged as major players in the crypto exchange landscape.

In 2013, the Ethereum network was introduced by Vitalik Buterin. It promised to go beyond just monetary transactions and focus on developing DApps. Ethereum’s native coin, Ether (ETH), has become the second-largest digital asset by market capitalization and has fulfilled its promise of becoming a central platform for DApps.

In the next installment of ‘s History of Crypto series, we will delve into the initial coin offering boom and the ongoing evolution of Ethereum. Stay tuned for more updates on the most pivotal developments in crypto history.