What is Ethereum Classic? All About ETC Coin

While Ethereum (ETH) is widely recognized as the foundation for smart contracts and DeFi, Ethereum Classic (ETC) quietly holds a vital place in blockchain history. Emerging from one of the most pivotal forks in crypto, ETH Classic continues to exist as a symbol of blockchain immutability and decentralization.
In this article, we’ll explore what Ethereum Classic is, how it differs from Ethereum, the role of the ETC coin, and how users can interact with ETC on platforms like Gate. Whether you’re researching airdrops, exploring legacy chains, or broadening your crypto knowledge, this guide will help you better understand ETH Classic and its place in today’s crypto landscape.

What is Ethereum Classic (ETC)?

Ethereum Classic is the original, unaltered version of the Ethereum blockchain that preserved the historical record of all transactions after the infamous DAO hack in 2016. While the main Ethereum chain chose to reverse transactions to refund stolen funds, Ethereum Classic refused to make changes, embracing the principle: “Code is law.”
As a result, ETH Classic represents a commitment to the idea that blockchain should remain immutable—regardless of external pressure or controversy.

The Origin: Ethereum vs. Ethereum Classic

In 2016, the Ethereum community faced a crisis: The DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) was hacked, and over $60 million worth of ETH was stolen due to a vulnerability in the DAO’s smart contract.
To address this, Ethereum developers proposed a hard fork—essentially rolling back the blockchain to before the hack. However, not everyone agreed. The minority group who opposed altering the blockchain created Ethereum Classic (ETC) by continuing on the original chain.

This historical split laid the groundwork for two ideologically distinct networks, each with its own roadmap and community.

ETC Coin and Its Use Cases

ETC, or Ethereum Classic’s native coin, plays a similar role to ETH on Ethereum. It is used to:

• Pay gas fees for transactions and smart contracts
• Reward miners under the Proof of Work system
• Support dApp operations on the ETC network
• Act as a store of value for long-term holders who align with ETC’s philosophy

Despite Ethereum’s dominance, ETC continues to attract attention, especially from those who prefer the security and simplicity of PoW networks.

You can buy, sell, and trade ETC easily on Gate, which supports multiple trading pairs and staking options. Gate also provides analytical tools and a dedicated ETC token page for real-time tracking.

ETH Classic in Today’s Crypto Market

Although Ethereum Classic doesn’t receive as much mainstream attention as Ethereum, it still holds a relevant role in blockchain infrastructure. Its appeal lies in:

• Ideological purity: No rollbacks, true decentralization
• Security: Based on proven Proof of Work consensus
• Compatibility: Supports EVM and smart contracts
• Scarcity: Limited supply (210 million ETC), which appeals to long-term investors

ETH Classic is often discussed in relation to mining—especially after Ethereum’s switch to PoS—because ETC still supports GPU mining, keeping it relevant for a segment of the blockchain community.

Conclusion

ETH Classic is more than just an old fork—it’s a living representation of blockchain principles such as immutability, decentralization, and trustless execution. Understanding what Ethereum Classic is allows you to appreciate the philosophical and technical diversity in the crypto world.
As a Gate user, you can explore the ETC ecosystem through spot trading, staking, and ecosystem updates—all available on a secure and professional exchange. Whether you’re here to learn, trade, or invest, ETC offers a unique perspective that continues to shape blockchain history.