What is Ethereum Classic? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Ethereum Classic at a glance.

Ethereum Classic is the original Ethereum chain that continued under proof of work and a fixed monetary policy after the 2016 hard fork. Here is how it works and how it is used, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

n/a

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Ethereum Classic. Updated Jun 2, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

ETC

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live ETC price.

How it works

How Ethereum Classic works.

Miners compete to solve a hashing puzzle using the Etchash algorithm, a variant of the older Ethash, and the winner adds the next block roughly every thirteen seconds and earns the reward. This is the same mining-based model the original Ethereum used before Ethereum itself moved to proof of stake.

Consensus: Proof of Work (Etchash)

Miners compete to solve a hashing puzzle using the Etchash algorithm, a variant of the older Ethash, and the winner adds the next block roughly every thirteen seconds and earns the reward. This is the same mining-based model the original Ethereum used before Ethereum itself moved to proof of stake.

The original chain

Ethereum Classic is the continuation of the original Ethereum blockchain after the network split in 2016 over how to handle the DAO incident.

Code is law

It kept the unaltered transaction history under the principle that the chain should not be reversed, which is the core philosophy that defines the project.

Smart contracts

It runs smart contracts and supports applications in the same general way the original Ethereum did.

Fixed monetary policy

It uses a capped, predictable issuance schedule, known as 5M20, that reduces the block reward at set intervals toward a fixed supply limit.

Ecosystem & usage

What Ethereum Classic is used for.

ETC is used to pay transaction fees, run smart contracts and reward the miners who secure the network.

Smart contracts

Deploy and run programmable contracts on a proof-of-work chain.

Value transfer

Send ETC between addresses to settle payments and contract activity.

Mining

Secure the network and earn block rewards through Etchash proof-of-work mining.

In the Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend ETC.

Ethereum Classic is integrated in the Zypto App. Hold ETC in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold ETC in Zypto How to buy ETC

Be the reason Ethereum Classic ships next.

Ethereum Classic isn’t in the Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

How is Ethereum Classic different from Ethereum?

It is the continuation of the original Ethereum chain after the 2016 DAO fork, kept its history unaltered under code is law, and still uses proof of work while Ethereum moved to proof of stake.

Does Ethereum Classic use mining or staking?

It uses proof-of-work mining with the Etchash algorithm, producing new blocks roughly every thirteen seconds.

Does it support smart contracts?

Yes. It runs smart contracts in much the same way the original Ethereum did, with a fixed, capped monetary policy known as 5M20.

Can I hold ETC in the Zypto App?

Not yet. ETC isn't in the Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Ethereum Classic using the "Request Ethereum Classic" button above.

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