BRVX Glossary · Altcoin · Updated September 25, 2026
An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin — the term is short for “alternative coin”. Ethereum, Solana, XRP and thousands of smaller tokens are altcoins; together they have usually made up 40–60% of total crypto market cap.
On this page
Main types
- Smart-contract platforms: Ethereum, Solana, BNB Chain.
- Payment coins: XRP, Litecoin.
- Stablecoins: USDT, USDC — technically altcoins, though pegged to a currency.
- Meme coins: DOGE and newer tokens driven by community and hype.
Bitcoin dominance and “altseason”
Bitcoin dominance is Bitcoin's share of total crypto market cap. When it falls fast while prices rise, traders call it an altseason — money rotating into altcoins. Altcoins tend to fall harder than Bitcoin in downturns; many from the 2017 and 2021 cycles never regained their highs.
Why altcoins are riskier
Smaller market caps, thinner order books and concentrated ownership mean bigger swings. Tokens with small circulating supply face selling pressure when locked tokens unlock.
On BRVX
BRVX lists perpetuals on major altcoins alongside Bitcoin, including ETH, SOL, XRP and DOGE, all quoted in USDT. Check each market's own page for its limits and fees, because altcoin markets on BRVX are not all set up the same way as BTC/USDT.
Questions about Altcoin
Is Ethereum an altcoin?
Yes. Any coin other than Bitcoin is an altcoin, including Ethereum.
What is altseason?
A period when altcoins rise faster than Bitcoin and Bitcoin dominance falls.
Are altcoins riskier than Bitcoin?
Generally yes: they are smaller, less liquid and more volatile.
Altcoin: next steps on BRVX
Altcoin with leverage: WLD/USDT allows 5x to 80x; at its 40x default, 1% equals 40% of margin. Set TP / SL before opening.
Read next: Market cap (market capitalization), Stablecoin and Volatility.
Leverage works both ways: a small move against you can lose you the whole margin.
Open WLD/USDT in the app
Open appLeverage raises both gains and losses. Start with a size you are comfortable with. Not available to US persons.