Billy Markus, also known as Shibetoshi Nakamoto online and the creator of Dogecoin, has revealed his five favorite cryptocurrencies in a series of posts on X between the 14th and 15th of December 2024.
His picks—Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Avalanche (AVAX), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL)—highlight his unique perspective on innovation and personal connection in the crypto world.
DOGE: A Sentimental Favorite
Markus placed Dogecoin at the top of his list, unsurprisingly. DOGE is close to him since he is the creator of the coin or one of the creators.
Dogecoin was created in 2013 as the fun virtual currency from the famous doge Internet meme mimicking Bitcoin. It has grown popular among crypto enthusiasts.
It has a community-fundamental model, a market capitalization of $60.3 billion, and backing from celebrities such as Elon Musk.
Markus’ attachment to DOGE goes beyond its numbers—it’s a project rooted in fun and inclusivity.
BTC: The Original and Still Dominant
Next, Markus honored Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency. He shared his respect for BTC’s pivotal role in the industry.
Bitcoin still holds the largest crypto market share, at $1.2 trillion. The daily trading volume for this digital currency is more than $81 billion.
Prosecutor Markus is not a maximalist to BTC but respects its legacy as the first cryptocurrency and its impact on the entire market.
AVAX: Speed Meets Functionality
Avalanche (AVAX) made the list for its cutting-edge speed and scalability. Markus tweeted his appreciation for AVAX’s efficient transactions and rising popularity among dApp developers.
With a $20 billion market cap and growing adoption in DeFi, Avalanche has positioned itself as an Ethereum competitor. Its focus on speed and lower costs sets it apart, which Markus highlighted as key reasons for his choice.
ETH: The Smart Contract Pioneer
Ethereum earned its spot for its contributions to smart contracts and decentralized apps. Markus noted that he’s personally benefited from Ethereum’s ecosystem, particularly through NFTs.
Despite high gas fees, Ethereum’s versatility keeps it relevant, with a market cap of over $500 billion and a trading volume of $15 billion daily.
SOL: Rapid Growth and Efficiency
Markus wrapped up his list with Solana (SOL), praised for its speed and energy efficiency. Solana’s ecosystem has grown rapidly, and it is supported by a $50 billion market cap and increasing developer interest.
Markus also engaged with the Solana community through a meme coin challenge earlier this year. He called Solana’s recent successes impressive, tweeting about the blockchain’s rising impact.
No Room for XRP!
When asked about XRP’s absence, Markus offered a candid response. He admitted he doesn’t own any XRP but joked that his opinion could change if someone gifted him some.
Markus’ top picks showcase a mix of sentiment, innovation, and practicality. His insights shared directly with the crypto community on X, offer a glimpse into how one of Dogecoin’s key figures evaluates the evolving crypto landscape.