What is Ethereum Classic (ETC)? Price and Future Prospects [For Beginners]

Cryptocurrency Information Bureau | Currency Introduction: Is Ethereum Classic (ETC) the currency of the future? A thorough explanation from the story behind its creation to its future potential! Let's create an investment strategy for 2025. #EthereumClassic #ETC #CryptocurrencyInvestment

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What is Ethereum Classic (ETC)? The currency of the future or...? A complete guide for beginners in 2025

Hello, I'm John, a veteran blogger. Today, I would like to explain "Ethereum Classic (ETC)", which has a particularly unique history and philosophy among the many crypto assets (also called virtual currencies, which are a type of digital currency), in an easy-to-understand manner even for beginners. You may have heard the name "Ethereum", but what is the difference when "Classic" is added? I will answer such questions. I will also touch on the current information as of 2025 and future prospects, so please stay with me until the end!

Basic information about Ethereum Classic (ETC): background and features

First, let’s start by looking at the basics of what kind of cryptocurrency Ethereum Classic (ETC) is.

What is ETC?
Ethereum Classic is a cryptocurrency that was created in July 2016. In fact, it was created by splitting (the technical term for this is a "hard fork") from the existing platform called "Ethereum (ETH)."
The reason it was born: "The DAO Incident"
The main cause of the split was a large-scale hacking incident that occurred in a project called "The DAO." The DAO was a decentralized investment fund (a system in which people pool their money to invest) created on the Ethereum blockchain, but a vulnerability in the program was exploited, resulting in the theft of Ethereum, worth about 50 billion yen at the time.
The "code is law" principle and division
After this incident, the Ethereum community was split on whether to recover the stolen funds or prioritize the immutability of the blockchain's transaction records (the property that once recorded, they cannot be changed). As a result, the current Ethereum (ETH) took measures to invalidate the stolen funds (rollback), while Ethereum Classic (ETC) adhered to the principle that "no matter what, blockchain records should not be changed. Code is Law." This "decentralization" and "immutability" could be said to be ETC's greatest features.
The problem ETC is trying to solve
ETC aims to provide a platform without a central authority and that cannot be tampered with, which will serve as the foundation for truly free and fair applications (DApps - decentralized applications) and smart contracts (a mechanism that automatically executes contracts by program) that are not influenced by the intentions of any particular organization or individual.
Summary of unique features
- Immutability: Based on the philosophy of "Code is Law", there is a strong determination not to change transactions once they have been recorded.
- Decentralization: It has no centralized authority and is maintained by a network of computers around the world.
- Smart Contract Function: Like Ethereum, it can execute programmable contracts (smart contracts), which allows the creation of a wide range of decentralized applications (DApps).

In other words, ETC is a cryptocurrency that inherits Ethereum's original chain (a series of blocks) and faithfully adheres to the original philosophy that "the blockchain must not be altered by anyone."

Impact on ETC supply and price

When considering the price of a cryptocurrency, its supply is a very important factor. What about ETC?

Max Supply
The maximum supply of Ethereum Classic is designed to be between approximately 2 million and 1000 million ETC. Considering that the maximum supply of Bitcoin (BTC) is 2 million, it is more than that, but it is important to note that there is a limit (called a "hard cap"). Some information indicates that the limit will be set at approximately 3000 million ETC, close to Bitcoin (Apify result 2100).
Current Circulating Supply
The amount in circulation is constantly fluctuating, but as of 2025, there are over 1 million ETC in circulation. The latest accurate figures can be found on cryptocurrency information sites such as CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko.
How supply affects price
Generally, assets with a supply limit tend to become scarce (value due to difficulty in obtaining) and rise in price as demand increases. ETC is no exception, and it has been pointed out that the value per unit may increase as the issuance limit approaches in the future. This is similar to the way the value of precious metals such as gold increases.

The limited supply is also expected to help reduce the risk of inflation (decrease in the value of the currency).

ETC’s Technical Structure: Blockchain and Proof of Work

Now, let’s get a little technical and briefly explain how ETC works and the blockchain technology at its heart.

What is Blockchain?
Blockchain, also known as "distributed ledger technology," is a technology that organizes records of transactions into units called "blocks" and stores them in chronological order in a chain. These records are stored in a distributed manner on many computers around the world, making it extremely difficult for the entire record to be lost or tampered with, even if some computers fail or are attacked maliciously.
Proof of Work (PoW)
ETC uses the same mechanism as Bitcoin, "Proof of Work (PoW)". This is a competition to solve very complex calculation problems in order to gain the right to connect a new block to the chain. This calculation process is called "mining", and successful people (miners) are paid new ETC as a reward. PoW plays an important role in maintaining the security of the network and preventing fraudulent transactions. ETC mining uses an algorithm (calculation procedure) called "Ethash" (from Apify result 15). Mining using GPUs (graphics processing units - computer parts that are good at advanced calculations) is common.
smart contract
Another important technology of ETC is "smart contracts". These are programs that automatically check and execute contract conditions according to pre-set rules. For example, it is possible to automatically transfer money when certain conditions are met. This makes it possible to build various services (such as DeFi - decentralized finance) and applications (DApps) that do not require intermediaries.

These technologies make ETC a highly transparent system that is difficult to tamper with and has no central authority.

ETC Team and Community

While many cryptocurrency projects have a central company or foundation, Ethereum Classic is a bit different.

Decentralized development structure
ETC is not centralized and run by any particular company or organization. It is supported by a global community of developers, miners, and users who support the philosophy of "Code is Law." This decentralized approach is one of ETC's strengths.
Community Activities
The ETC community is actively involved in discussion and development through online forums (e.g., r/EthereumClassic on Reddit) and developer platforms (e.g., GitHub), and regular protocol upgrades and security enhancements are also community-driven.
Reliability
ETC’s reliability comes from its history, consistent philosophy, and robust security through PoW. Since it does not depend on a specific leader, there is little risk that the project’s direction will change significantly due to the will of an individual.

A vibrant community and continued development are crucial to the long-term success of the project. ETC is supported by many people who share its philosophy and continue to thrive.

ETC use cases and future outlook (as of 2025)

What exactly can Ethereum Classic be used for, and what potential does it have in the future?

Current main use cases

Platform for decentralized applications (DApps): Using the smart contract function, you can build and run DApps in various fields such as finance (DeFi), games, and identity management.
Store of valueDue to the limited issuance and the high security provided by PoW, some consider it a means of storing value, like digital "gold."
Payment method: In theory it can be used for payments, but currently it is not as widely used as Bitcoin and other payment-specific coins.
Internet of Things (IoT)Due to ETC's lightweight nature and high security, there is discussion about the possibility that it could be used in the future for secure communication between IoT devices and for micropayments (small amount payments).

Future outlook and pricing in 2025

As we enter 2025, there are various opinions about the future prospects and prices of ETC. I will share some information here.These are just predictions and not investment advice.ことをご理解ください。

Price Prediction Range :
- Some analysts predict that if Ethereum (ETH) reaches $2025 by the end of 5,000, ETC could reach around $350-400 (Apify result 1). This is a very optimistic view.
- On the other hand, a more realistic prediction is that the highest ETC price in 2025 will be around $55 (Apify result 4).
- It is also reported that the price in early 2025 started at $25.04 and then temporarily dropped (Apify result 8). This shows the volatility of the market.
- There is also information that the price will be around $2025 as of June 6 (from Apify result 17).
As such, ETC price predictions vary widely among experts and fluctuate depending on market conditions.
Development and Upgrade： ETC blockchain is undergoing continuous upgrades to improve its security, scalability, and functionality (Apify result 13). If these development activities are successful, they may lead to increased value for ETC.
The allure of mining: With Ethereum (ETH) moving to PoS (Proof of Stake – a mechanism whereby approval power is obtained according to the amount of coins held), ETC remains an attractive option for GPU miners (Apify results 6, 9, 15, 18). ETC also has the support of the mining community. For example, it is estimated that with a hash rate (computing power) of 5,800 MH/s, approximately 1 ETC can be mined per day (Apify result 0.429). There are also mining pools (groups that mine together) for beginners (Apify result 6).

The future of ETC will depend on the progress of technological development, the activity of the community, the overall market trend, and how much support the philosophy of "Code is Law" continues to receive. Prices are constantly fluctuating, so it is important not to blindly accept information but to do your own research.

Comparison of ETC and competing coins

To better understand ETC, let’s compare it to other major crypto assets.

Comparison with Ethereum (ETH)
- Philosophical differences: The biggest point of comparison is how they responded to the aforementioned DAO incident. ETH chose to fix past transactions to solve the problem, while ETC placed an absolute emphasis on the immutability of the blockchain. This philosophical difference determined the direction of each project.
- Consensus Algorithm: While ETH has moved to Proof of Stake (PoS), ETC remains Proof of Work (PoW), which makes a difference in terms of mining availability and energy consumption.
- Development and Ecosystem: ETH has built a huge ecosystem in the areas of DeFi and NFTs (non-fungible tokens - one-of-a-kind digital assets), while ETC's ecosystem is relatively small. However, original DApps are being developed on ETC as well.
Comparison with Bitcoin (BTC)
- Differences in purpose: BTC is expected to function primarily as a store of value and a means of payment as "digital gold," while ETC also functions as a smart contract platform.
- SupplyThe maximum supply of BTC is 2100 million, while ETC has a maximum supply of approximately 2 million, meaning ETC has more. However, both have a limit, which creates scarcity.
- Consensus Algorithm: Both use PoW, with new coins being issued and the network maintained through mining.

ETC could be positioned as a project with characteristics that are halfway between the flexibility of ETH and the strict immutability of BTC, or as a project with its own unique philosophy.

ETC investment risks and precautions

Any investment involves risk, but cryptocurrencies are known to be particularly volatile. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering investing in ETC.

Price fluctuation risk (volatility): The prices of many cryptocurrencies, including ETC, can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. Prices fluctuate due to various factors, such as market news, rumors, and regulatory trends, so the golden rule is to invest with surplus funds (money that you can live without even if you lose it).
The risk of a 51% attack: ETC has been subject to "51% attacks" (attacks in which a malicious group controls more than half of the computing power of the entire network and conducts fraudulent transactions) several times in the past. The development community is working to strengthen security, but it is necessary to recognize this as a risk common to all coins that use PoW. Recently, upgrades to improve security have also been underway (see Apify result 13).
Regulatory trends：Countries around the world are working to establish legal regulations for cryptocurrencies, but the content of these regulations varies from country to country and continues to change. It is important to consider the possibility that new regulations may affect the price and use of ETC.
Scams and hacks: Unfortunately, in the world of cryptocurrencies, there are also cases of phishing scams (methods of stealing personal information by directing users to fake sites) and hacking of exchanges. It is important to be careful of information from sources other than official websites and profit-making stories that are too sweet, and to manage your own assets in a secure wallet (a wallet for storing cryptocurrencies).
The future of the project：ETC’s value depends on the growth of its technology, community, and adoption. Competition with other projects is fierce, so it’s important to keep up with the latest information and monitor the project’s progress.

It is important to understand these risks and make careful decisions.

Expert opinions and analysis (as of 2025)

Experts and market analysts have differing views on Ethereum Classic (ETC). Below are the general trends based on information collected by Apify and others.

Linkage with Ethereum (ETH): Some analysts point out that ETC's price may be influenced by the price movement of Ethereum (ETH). For example, there is a view that "if ETH reaches $2025 by the end of 5,000, ETC could reach $350 to $400" (Apify result 1). This may be because the two have the same roots.
Value as a PoW coin: As Ethereum has shifted to PoS, ETC, which maintains PoW, has become an important option for miners who want to continue PoW mining. The support of this miner community is thought to be one of the reasons that supports the ETC network.
Diversity in price predictions: As mentioned above, there are various predictions for the price in 2025, ranging from bullish to cautious. Some estimate it to be up to $55 (Apify result 4), while others give even different figures, and there is no consensus. At one point, there is even data that the price has fallen since the beginning of the year (Apify result 8).
long term perspectiveSome people are sympathetic to the principle of "Code is Law" and appreciate the potential of the platform as a decentralized and tamper-proof platform. However, it remains to be seen whether this will directly lead to a short-term price increase.

These opinions are for reference only and do not guarantee the future. It is important to gather information from multiple angles and make your own judgment.

ETC Latest News and Roadmap Highlights

Although Ethereum Classic has been around for some time, that doesn't mean development has stopped - it is constantly undergoing improvements and upgrades.

Enhanced security: In light of past experiences with 51% attacks, there are ongoing efforts to improve the security of the network, which may include adjusting mining algorithms and strengthening monitoring systems.
Increased scalability and functionality: Scalability improvements to enable more transactions to be processed and development to expand the functionality of smart contracts are also being discussed and promoted by the community (Apify result 13).
Community-Driven DevelopmentETC's roadmap (development plan) is not decided top-down by a specific company, but is often based on proposals and agreements from the community.
Trends in 2025：Even in 2025, steady efforts toward stable operation of the ETC blockchain and the development of the ecosystem are likely to continue. For specific major updates, we recommend checking the latest information on the official website or a reliable cryptocurrency news site.

A project that is in active development and has an active community is a good sign for the future of the cryptocurrency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Finally, we have compiled some common questions that beginners may have about Ethereum Classic (ETC) and their answers.

Q1: What exactly is Ethereum Classic (ETC)?

A1: ETC is a cryptocurrency that was created by splitting off from Ethereum. It is based on the principle that "code is law" and emphasizes "immutability" in that transactions once recorded cannot be changed. It is also a platform that can execute smart contracts.

Q2: Where can I purchase ETC?

A2: ETC can be purchased at many major cryptocurrency exchanges (e.g. Binance, Kraken, Coinbase, etc., some Japanese exchanges may also handle it). The basic steps are as follows (from Apify result 2, 3):

Choose a cryptocurrency exchange that handles ETC.
Create an account on the exchange (email address and phone number verification required).
Complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process.
Deposit Japanese Yen or other cryptocurrencies.
Purchase ETC at an exchange (credit/debit card, bank transfer, Apple/Google Pay, etc. may also be accepted).

Please follow the instructions of each exchange to proceed with the procedure.

Q3: What is the future of ETC? What is the price forecast for 2025?

A3: The future of ETC depends on many factors, including technological developments, community activities, and overall market trends. Experts are divided on price forecasts for 2025, with a wide range of predictions ranging from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars (Apify result 1, 4, etc.). Some sources report that prices have fallen since the beginning of the year (Apify result 8). These are only predictions and do not guarantee prices. Please make careful investment decisions.

Q4: Can ETC be mined? Can beginners do it?

A4: Yes, ETC uses Proof of Work (PoW), so mining is possible (Apify results 6, 7, 9, 11, 15, 18). Mining is mainly done using GPUs (graphics boards). Since Ethereum (ETH) has moved to PoS, ETC remains one of the coins of interest for GPU miners. There are mining pools for beginners (a system in which multiple people cooperate to mine), and it is said to be relatively easy to get started, but it requires specialized equipment, electricity, and technical knowledge, so prior research is important. Mining profitability varies depending on the price of ETC and the difficulty of mining.

Q5: What are the main differences between Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC)?

A5: The main differences are the origins, philosophy, and consensus algorithm.

History and Philosophy: The two cryptocurrencies split in response to the DAO incident, with ETH altering transaction records to recover funds, while ETC maintained its "immutability" principle.
Consensus Algorithm: ETH has moved to PoS, but ETC remains PoW.
Ecosystem size: Generally, ETH has a larger developer community and more DApps, but ETC is also pursuing its own path.

Links

If you would like to learn more about Ethereum Classic (ETC), check out the following resources:

Ethereum Classic Official Website: (usually something like `ethereumclassic.org`, but do a search yourself to make sure it's the official site)
CoinMarketCap / CoinGecko: You can check ETC's current price, chart, market cap, and other information.
Major cryptocurrency exchange websites: Get information on how to purchase ETC and market trends.
ETC-related community forums (e.g. Reddit): You can hear the real voices of users and developers.

I hope this article helps you to better understand Ethereum Classic (ETC). The world of cryptocurrencies is changing rapidly, and new information is constantly emerging. If you are interested, please do your own research.

Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and does not recommend investing in any particular financial product. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves high risks. When making an investment, please make your own decisions after conducting sufficient research and comparison (DYOR – Do Your Own Research).

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Ethereum Classic (ETC) - A Thorough Explanation: The Currency of the Future? Investment Strategies and Future Prospects [2025 Edition]