Burning coin in crypto is a process that reduces the total supply of a cryptocurrency, which can have a positive effect on its value. This is done by permanently removing a certain amount of coins from circulation.
Burning coins can be done through various methods, including smart contracts. These contracts are self-executing programs that automatically carry out a set of instructions, such as burning a specific amount of coins.
Cryptocurrency Basics
A cryptocurrency address is like an email address, used to send and receive coins, and can be accessed from anywhere.
In cryptocurrency, a wallet address is used to store and manage your tokens, and it's linked to the private keys that let you access your coins.
These private keys are what give you control over your tokens, and if they're sent to a burner address, they can't be recovered or accessed again.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and is decentralized, meaning it's not controlled by any government or financial institution.
A cryptocurrency address is like an email address, used to send and receive coins, and is publicly viewable. It's used by the cryptocurrency network to recognize and verify transactions.
Cryptocurrency tokens are removed from circulation through a process called burning, where tokens are sent to a wallet address that can only receive coins. This address is also called an "eater", "burner", or "null" address.
Once a token is sent to a burner address, the keys that let you access it are gone forever, and the token cannot be accessed or recovered.
Proof-of-burn (PoB) is a consensus mechanism used by some blockchains to ensure that all participating nodes agree on the true and valid state of the blockchain network. It uses multiple validators to verify transactions.
Binance (BNB)
Binance (BNB) is a cryptocurrency exchange that has been conducting quarterly burns of its Binance Coin (BNB) since 2017.
These burns aim to withdraw approximately 50% of the total BNB supply from circulation.
The process involves a smart contract that verifies if the required coins are available in the holder's wallet before subtracting the specified coins and adjusting the total count of coins in circulation.
Binance Chain has completed its 24th quarterly BNB burn in 2023, which includes the Auto-Burn and the Pioneer Burn Program.
Here are the facts and figures from the latest burn as of July 2023:
- Auto-Burn (Total BNB burned): 1,991,854.33 BNB
- Approximate value in USD: ~$484,160,000
- BNB burned from the Pioneer Burn Program: 747.51 BNB
- Real Burn (Auto-Burn - Pioneer Burn): 1,991,106.82 BNB
Proof of
Proof of Burn (PoB) is a consensus mechanism that requires users to destroy or "burn" a certain amount of coins to participate in the network. This process is meant to mimic the concept of proof of work (PoW), but without the high energy consumption and hardware requirements.
Validators in a PoB system receive rewards in the form of transaction fees and newly minted coins. The more coins a user burns, the higher their chances of being selected as a validator.
PoB operates on the principle of requiring miners to burn tokens to be granted the right to mine for the blockchain and receive a reward. This process does not consume many resources, other than the energy used to mine the coins before burning them.
Miners send the coins to a burner address to burn them, and in exchange, they're allowed to open a block and receive a reward in the native currency token of the blockchain. Depending on the implementation, you're allowed to burn the native currency or the currency of an alternate chain, such as Bitcoin.
Web3 Applications
In Web3 applications, token burning is used to control the supply of tokens and increase their value. Companies like Render Network are experimenting with the "Burn-and-Mint equilibrium model", where the total supply of a cryptocurrency is burned and new coins are minted to offset the loss.
This model ensures that the supply of a currency is in equilibrium with the demand, keeping the total supply constant. For example, Helium Network uses a similar model. Token burning can also be used to negate or minimize fees, as seen in the London hardfork on the Ethereum network.
Companies may burn tokens to make their cryptocurrency deflationary, or to protect their network from spam, as in the case of Avalanche and Ripple.
Ether (Eth)
Ether (ETH) is a key component in the Ethereum network, and its burning mechanics are a crucial strategy for the network's transition to proof-of-stake (PoS).
Ethereum launched EIP-1559 in August 2021, which allows the network to burn a portion of the Ether tokens collected as transaction fees during the verification process.
This burning mechanism is designed to facilitate the migration of users from the previous proof-of-work (PoW) network to the new PoS network.
Through EIP-1559, Ethereum is able to reduce the supply of Ether in circulation, which can help to increase the value of the remaining tokens.
Emerging Trend
In the world of Web3 applications, a new trend is emerging when it comes to token burning. This trend is the "Burn-and-Mint equilibrium model", which is similar to Helium Network.
This model involves burning the total supply of a cryptocurrency, permanently removing it from circulation, while minting new coins to offset the loss. This ensures the total supply of a currency is in equilibrium with the demand for the currency.
The Render Network is one example of this model in action. The total supply of a cryptocurrency is burned and new coins are minted to maintain a constant total supply.
The benefits of this model include regulating the demand and supply of a token, helping to build a sustainable economic system. This model is similar to the Helium Network, which also uses this approach to maintain a stable supply of tokens.
By burning tokens and minting new ones, the Render Network is able to create a balanced economy within its system. This approach can be seen as a way to stabilize the value of a token, making it more attractive to users.
Practical Applications
Removing an asset from circulation to adjust its availability and value is a concept that's not new, just like how central banks adjust the amount of circulating currency to adjust its purchasing power.
In Web3 applications, burning cryptocurrency is one way to manage its value. Central banks adjust the amount of circulating currency to adjust its purchasing power, and similarly, burning cryptocurrency can be used to adjust its availability and value.
Central banks have been doing this for a long time, and it's a practical reason for burning cryptocurrency too.
Economics
Burning coin in crypto has a significant impact on economics. Token burning reduces the total supply in circulation, which can increase the value of the remaining tokens by creating scarcity. This is because the same amount of demand for the tokens will now be spread across a smaller number of tokens, driving up their price.
Token burning can also demonstrate to potential investors that the team behind the token is committed to its long-term success, enhancing the reputation of the token and making it more attractive to potential investors. By reducing the number of tokens in circulation, token burning can help to reduce inflation and keep the value of the remaining tokens stable over time.
Reducing the supply of tokens can create a deflationary effect on the market, leading to an increase in the overall value of the crypto assets that remain in circulation. This can also help support the crypto market's long-term stability and growth.
In the case of Bitcoin, the fixed supply of 21 million creates scarcity, which can increase prices if demand increases. Burning coins can further reduce the supply, increasing the value of the remaining coins.
Key Concepts and Takeaways
Burning a cryptocurrency refers to the act of sending a token to an inaccessible address. This is done by using a "burner", "eater", or "null" address, which is specifically designed for this purpose.
These addresses are used to remove tokens from the available supply, effectively decreasing the number in circulation. This can have a significant impact on the market value of a coin.
Here are some key reasons why burning is used in different blockchains: to increase coin market valueto confirm a miner's commitment to the network and grant them the right to mine a block
Key Takeaways
Burning a cryptocurrency involves sending a token to an inaccessible address. This is done by using a "burner", "eater", or "null" address.
Burning effectively removes tokens from the available supply, decreasing the number in circulation.
Here are some key facts about burning cryptocurrencies:
- Burning is used to increase coin market value in some blockchains.
- Burning is used to confirm a miner's commitment to the network and grant them the right to mine a block in other blockchains.
The Bottom Line
Burning coins removes them from circulation, which reduces the circulating supply of that cryptocurrency and can increase its value.
This reduction in supply can lead to increased demand, causing the value to rise.
Burning is often used as part of a blockchain's internal processes, but it can also be a form of market manipulation disguised as a positive action for the coin, blockchain, and community.
Types and Categories
Burning coin in crypto can be done for various purposes, and it's essential to understand the different types and categories involved.
There are four primary types of token burning, each with its own specific goals and circumstances.
Regular token burning involves systematically removing tokens from circulation at regular intervals, such as monthly or quarterly, to decrease the overall supply and potentially increase the value.
Token burning as a reward is used to incentivize certain actions or activities, like completing tasks or achieving milestones.
Token burning as a penalty is used to penalize users who violate terms of service or engage in detrimental behaviors.
Token burning to align interests is used to ensure that different stakeholders, like the development team, have aligned interests with token holders.
Examples
Let's take a look at some examples of types and categories.
A classification system is used in libraries to organize books by subject.
The Dewey Decimal Classification system groups books into ten main categories, from 000 to 900.
In the Dewey Decimal system, books on history are categorized from 900 to 999.
The Library of Congress Classification system uses a combination of letters and numbers to categorize books.
The Library of Congress system uses the letters A to Z to categorize books on general subjects, with Z reserved for interdisciplinary subjects.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is a meme coin that introduced the SHIB Burning Portal in April 2022. This portal allows participants to burn their SHIB tokens in exchange for burntSHIB tokens.
The burntSHIB token provides rewards in the form of the ERC-20 token RYOSHI.
Types of
Regular token burning involves the systematic removal of tokens from circulation at regular intervals, such as monthly or quarterly, to decrease the overall supply and potentially increase their value.
Token burning can be used as a reward for users who complete certain tasks or achieve milestones, aligning the interests of the community and the company.
In some cases, token burning is used as a penalty for users who violate the terms of service or engage in detrimental behaviors, removing tokens from circulation to maintain a healthy community.
Token burning can also be used to align the interests of different stakeholders, such as burning tokens held by the development team to ensure their interests are aligned with those of the token holders.
Categories
There are two main categories of coin burning, both of which have their own unique purposes and applications.
One category, integrated at the protocol level, is a fundamental part of the coin's design and functionality.
The other category, implemented as an economic policy, is a more flexible approach that can be tailored to the specific needs of the project or company.
Regular token burning involves the systematic removal of tokens from circulation, typically at regular intervals, to decrease the overall supply and potentially increase the value of the tokens.
Token burning can be used as a reward for certain actions or activities, such as completing tasks or achieving milestones.
It can also be used as a penalty for violating terms of service or engaging in detrimental behaviors.
Token burning can be used to align the interests of different stakeholders, such as burning tokens held by the development team to ensure their interests are aligned with those of the token holders.
Mechanisms and Processes
Proof-of-Burn is a consensus algorithm that requires users to "burn" or make some mined cryptocurrency permanently unavailable. This process creates a scarce resource that can be used to achieve consensus in a decentralized network.
In contrast, traditional Proof-of-Work requires a significant amount of computational power to mine new blocks and earn rewards. This can be energy-intensive and less efficient than Proof-of-Burn.
The Proof-of-Burn mechanism relies on tokens that have been permanently removed from circulation, which can be a limiting factor if there aren't enough tokens available to burn.
Category 1: Protocol-Level
Protocol-level coin burning is integrated directly into the protocol, allowing for a more fundamental alteration of the token's supply.
This approach can be seen in the classification of coin burning into two distinct categories, where protocol-level integration is one of the main categories.
By integrating coin burning at the protocol level, developers can create a more sustainable and secure token economy.
For instance, this approach can help prevent token inflation by automatically reducing the supply of tokens over time.
Improved Consensus Mechanism
Proof-of-Burn (POB) is a unique consensus mechanism that requires participants to burn a portion of coins to achieve consensus in a distributed network.
This mechanism is more effective than traditional consensus mechanisms, as it creates a scarce resource by permanently removing tokens from circulation.
POB is different from Proof-of-Work (POW) in that it doesn't require significant computational power to solve complex mathematical problems.
In POB, miners show proof that they have burned a certain number of tokens, and the more tokens they burn, the higher their chances of mining a new block and earning rewards.
This approach can potentially be more energy efficient than POW, as it doesn't require the same amount of computational power.
However, POB relies on the availability of tokens that can be burned, which may not always be the case.
A token's price may hurt slightly or even dramatically if demand declines while supply increases, highlighting the importance of a stable consensus mechanism.
Process Transparency
Burning tokens can be a closed process, hidden from public view, such as when a company burns tokens internally and only shares the results with a select group.
In some cases, burning tokens is completely transparent, with proof of burning available on a public blockchain, giving everyone a clear view of the process.
Companies may choose to keep burning processes closed to maintain control and secrecy, but transparency is often key to building trust with token holders.
For a burning process to be transparent, it should be open and visible to everyone, with clear proof of the burning results available for all to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does burning crypto coins increase value?
Burning crypto coins reduces the total supply, but it doesn't necessarily lead to an increase in value. In fact, the value of crypto is not directly affected by burning.
What does burning tokens do in crypto?
Burning tokens reduces the total supply, making them scarcer and potentially more valuable. This can benefit investors and the community by increasing the token's value.
Can burned crypto be recovered?
No, burned crypto cannot be recovered as it is considered permanently destroyed. This is a deliberate action taken by projects to control supply and create scarcity in the market.
Sources
- https://clarnium.io/journal/what-token-burning-is-why-its-important-and-what-it-means
- https://iq.wiki/wiki/token-burn
- https://www.investopedia.com/tech/cryptocurrency-burning-can-it-manage-inflation/
- https://masterthecrypto.com/coin-burning-what-is-coin-burn/
- https://blocksurvey.io/learn-tokenomics/token-burn
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