Virtual currencies. Like fiat currency, virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ether are intended as a medium of exchange that enables two parties to transact business. But there are important differences: No physical coins or bills. Virtual currencies exist only in computer code. Except for visual representation of Bitcoin and altcoins in advertising and displays, and coin-like tokens that may be produced for marketing purposes, there are no actual coins or bills. Not legal tender. Virtual currencies are not legal tender and are not issued or backed by a government. However, many virtual currencies, which are called convertible virtual currencies, can be redeemed for fiat currency on a number of exchanges. No regulation. Virtual currencies are not regulated by any government agency or authority. However, regulation is being considered, especially where virtual currencies function as securities when they’re used to raise capital and when traded on exchanges.
Coinbase, which went public last week via direct listing, shaved about 10% off its share price this week, but was largely unaffected Friday in intraday trading.

Using vast amounts of computing power, often manifested in private server farms owned by mining collectives that comprise dozens of individuals, miners use highly technical methods to verify the completeness, accuracy, and security of currencies’ blockchains.
The spread is the difference between the buy and sell prices quoted for a cryptocurrency. Like many financial markets, when you open a position on a cryptocurrency market, you’ll be presented with two prices. If you want to open a long position, you trade at the buy price, which is slightly above the market price. If you want to open a short position, you trade at the sell price – slightly below the market price.