You may be familiar with the term stablecoin. But because it is a relatively new type of cryptocurrency, you may not be familiar with what it is.

So what is it? Why is there so much fuss surrounding these coins and what are the stablecoins you should know about?

Let’s dig in!

Stablecoins: What On Earth are They?

In its most simple terms, a stablecoin is a cryptocurrency that is pegged to a tangible, or stable, asset. Examples of a stable asset include gold or the US dollar. The idea of backing a cryptocurrency with a tangible asset is to reduce the price volatility associated with standard cryptocurrency. In doing so, digital coins become far more practical for everyday use, and it may encourage global adoption.

Cryptocurrency Volatility

Standard cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (available on Coinbase) have high volatility. On any given day, the value can suddenly increase or decrease (often by significant percentages) for no apparent reason other than market hearsay or fear mongering. This is because the value of Bitcoin (available on Coinbase), and other cryptocurrencies, depends on what value is given to it by investors. It does not depend on a physical asset to determine its worth. Because of this, Bitcoin (available on Coinbase) and most cryptocurrencies are inconvenient for daily transactions.

Imagine this: You are a vendor, and you sell a dress in exchange for 300 RPX. At the time of the transaction, 300 RPX could be worth $35 USD. However, the next day that same amount of RPX could now equal $23 USD. You wouldn’t be a very happy vendor. Further, you would be consistently aware of the ever-changing value to which your wares are a victim too.

Price changes like this are shocking for merchants and consumers alike. But the adoption of stablecoins may be a catalyst to the decentralized cryptocurrency system working mainstream.