The term cryptocurrency token can be used to represent many different forms of "tokenized data" that represents a cryptographic string of letters and numbers. For example, a cryptocurrency token can be used to describe a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, or be used to refer to a digital asset existing on another cryptocurrencies blockchain such as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. If no specific context is given a token should be assumed to represent a cryptocurrency that exists on another cryptocurrencies blockchain.
Timeline
People
Further reading
Crypto tokens and the coming age of protocol innovation
Albert Wenger
http://continuations.com/post/148098927445/crypto-tokens-and-the-coming-age-of-protocol
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Crypto tokens: A breakthrough in open network design
Chris Dixon
https://medium.com/@cdixon/crypto-tokens-a-breakthrough-in-open-network-design-e600975be2ef
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Keepers: workers that maintain blockchain networks — when designed correctly, tokens can act like rocket-fuel for driving network effects by incentivizing desired behaviors
Ryan Zurrer
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Mental models for understanding tokens
Nick Tomaino and Chris Dixon
Web
Token classification framework — a multi-dimensional tool for understanding and classifying crypto tokens
Thomas Euler
Web
Why crypto tokens matter
Fred Ehrsam and Chris Dixon
Web