No one has a crystal ball when it comes to crypto markets. In 2018, it seems as if cryptocurrencies face new challenges almost every day. With SEC regulators breathing down their necks, the future of tokens in the United States is anything but certain.
There’s no best stock to put your money on, and the same holds true with cryptocurrency. But if you’re looking to take some altcoins for a test drive regardless, check out these expert picks.
Ethereum (ETH)
The second-most valuable digital currency isn’t without its issues, but Chris Kline is still a firm believer. The co-founder and COO of BitcoinIRA.com, the world’s first company allowing customers to purchase digital currencies for their IRA and 401(k) retirement accounts, regularly invests in Ethereum. “It’s good because its high-level language allows developers to create their own smart contracts on distributed autonomous networks.”
Ripple (XRP)
Ripple, says Kline, “espouses the goal of creating a financial transaction system free of restrictions, fees and processing delays that are commonly associated with traditional banks. Unlike Bitcoin, Ripple was designed to support the financial system worldwide.” Major banks and financial institutions are already using Ripple to make cross-bank and cross-border transactions with greater efficiency and security.
Litecoin (LTC)
“Litecoin is often described as the silver to Bitcoin’s gold,” he remarks. Created by an ex-Google employee to make transactions faster, Litecoin “takes 2.5 minutes as opposed to 10.” It can also handle a higher volume of transactions and has a higher maximum supply than Bitcoin, at 84 million. “More coins equals more room for investors,” says Kline.
Mintcoin (MINT)
“When it comes to low-cap rollercoaster coins, MINT is one of the most fun rides you’ll find,” enthuses Jeff Koyen, award-winning entrepreneur and journalist and President of 360 Blockchain. He’s also been active in cryptocurrency as an investor and trader since 2014. “Currently trading in single-digit sats, MINT could become the next Verge — or the next Ember,” he says.
Hcash (HSR)
“Hcash is part of the new generation of kitchen sink coins that include every new feature, buzzword and protocol that [get] cryptoheads jacked up!” Promising hybrid PoS/PoW, quantum resistance, and zero-knowledge proofs (among other things), Koyen believes that Hcash could seriously take off.
Cannabis Coin (CANN)
Marijuana growers and dispensaries continue to have banking problems, creating a rise in cannabis coins. “Right now,” says Koyen, “my favorite is CANN, if only for price action. POT pumped earlier this month, while CANN has been hovering around 500. Buy now, before the annual 4/20 pump starts up.”
CasinoCoin (CSC)
CasinoCoin is working towards integration with the regulated online gaming sector. Ronald Holt, co-founder of Masters of Crypto, a prominent Bitcoin forum with over 1,000 members worldwide, explains, “They have a highly experienced team ( . . . ) and are using integrated AML [anti-money laundering] and KYC [Know Your Customer] technologies to comply with gaming commissions and regulated laws.”
ShipChain (SHIP)
“They are headed by a former executive at DHL and supported by large corporations. Their goal is to use blockchain technology to make logistics and the shipping industry more efficient and secure.” While the logistics space is not without competition, Holt believes, “it’s a great time to purchase, since the current price is far below their ICO price.”
Refereum (RFR)
“It’s used to create an entire online gaming ecosystem where the streamers as well as the viewers are rewarded with Refereum coins. They have thousands of users already and have partnered with Twitch.tv,” he explains. While their community isn’t on board with the way they handled their ICO, Holt still believes this is one to watch.
