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Bitcoin was released in 2009 and was the first decentralized digital currency. In the past year the price of Bitcoin has surged in price to astronomical heights with fears that the bubble could burst. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A cryptocurrency based on similar technology to Bitcoin, Litecoin has also rapidly increased in value. It was introduced in 2011 and has risen more this year in percentage increase than Bitcoin. Litecoin
A public, open-source cryptocurrency, ethereum was initially released in 2015. It is estimated to be the second largest cryptocurrency worldwide after Bitcoin. Ethereum
Another rising star of the world of cryptocurrencies. It's price has reached record highs in recent weeks. Ripple
A open-source currency that aspires to be user friendly. Again, the price has soared in recent weeks. Dash
A cryptocurrency which, like the others, uses Blockchain technology. It was introduced in 2015. Nem
Released in 2014, Monero is known for its use to purchase items on the "dark web." Monero