Dogecoin (DOGE) is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency that was launched in December 2013 by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer. Originally created as a joke to satirize the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin features the Shiba Inu dog from the popular “Doge” meme as its logo. Despite its humorous origins, it has gained a substantial following and is considered one of the leading altcoins.
Built on the Scrypt algorithm, Dogecoin allows for faster transaction times compared to Bitcoin, with a block time of just one minute. Unlike many cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin has no maximum supply limit, leading to an inflationary model where approximately 5 billion new coins are added to circulation each year. Its community is known for its charitable initiatives and use as a tipping currency on social media platforms. As of January 2025, Dogecoin’s market capitalization stands at over $61 billion, reflecting its popularity and continued relevance in the crypto market.
