What is
A digital asset created on a blockchain, representing value, utility, or ownership.
Tokens are digital assets issued on existing blockchains. On Ergo, tokens are first-class citizens - native to the protocol without needing wrapper contracts like ERC-20. Any Ergo box can hold multiple tokens alongside ERG, enabling efficient multi-asset transactions.
Project tokens
NFTs and collectibles
Stablecoins (SigmaUSD)
Governance tokens
Wrapped assets
Common questions about this topic
Start by getting a wallet (Nautilus for browser, Terminus for mobile). Back up your seed phrase securely offline. Get some ERG from an exchange (Gate.io, KuCoin) or DEX (Spectrum). Make a test transaction. Then explore: try DeFi on Spectrum, check out NFTs, or dive into the technology if you're a builder.
ErgoScript is Ergo's smart contract language - a Scala-based, functional language that compiles to ErgoTree for on-chain execution. Unlike Solidity, ErgoScript is not Turing-complete by design, ensuring predictable execution costs and easier formal verification. It's powerful enough for complex DeFi yet safe enough to audit.
This is not financial advice. Ergo has strong fundamentals: fair launch (no VC dump risk), innovative technology (eUTXO, Sigma Protocols, NiPoPoWs), active development, and a cypherpunk ethos. It's a smaller market cap project with higher risk/reward than established chains. Research thoroughly, understand the technology, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
SigmaUSD is Ergo's algorithmic stablecoin, pegged to USD and backed by ERG reserves. It uses the AgeUSD protocol: users mint SigUSD by depositing ERG, while SigRSV holders provide reserve backing and absorb volatility. The reserve ratio (400-800%) ensures stability. No centralized issuer, no bank accounts - pure crypto collateral.