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Verge

Verge XVG

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About

What Is Verge (XVG)?

Verge is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency and blockchain that seeks to offer a fast, efficient, decentralized payments network that improves upon the original Bitcoin (BTC) blockchain. It includes additional privacy features including integrating the anonymity network Tor into its wallet, called vergePay, and providing the option of sending transactions to stealth addresses.

The project describes itself as community-driven, relying on volunteers and priding itself on being open source.

Verge was first launched in October 2014 as DogeCoinDark, a fork of Peercoin (PPC). In February 2016, it was renamed Verge in order to rebrand for easier mass-market adoption and to distinguish itself from Dogecoin (DOGE), with which it has no direct connection. The project is now based on the Bitcoin source code.

Who Are the Founders of Verge?

Verge was launched in 2016 by Justin Valo, also known as "Justin Vendetta" or "Sunerok," a developer with over 20 years of experience in network security and nearly a decade in blockchain technology. He first developed the cryptocurrency as a fun passion project to empower individuals around the world with a greater sense of privacy.

Valo has stated that he has been programming since the age of 8 and became involved in network administration after high school, working for a Fortune 500 company. After a few years, he decided to start his own network security company.

Valo first became interested in Bitcoin in 2011, later getting involved with Dogecoin after its late 2013 launch. He began working on Verge because he believed that none of the altcoins being developed at the time were adequately functional as digital currencies and that the only other serious privacy coin projects --- Bytecoin (BCN) and Monero (XMR) --- were not sufficient.

In 2017, Valo was appointed to the advisory board of TokenPay (TPAY), a privacy-focused cryptocurrency.

What Makes Verge Unique?

According to its "blackpaper," Verge was created as a way to fulfill Bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto's vision of a decentralized, trustless electronic payment system while also providing more privacy than is available with Bitcoin.

In order to accomplish this goal, Verge relies on a series of key privacy features. It automatically routes all traffic to and from its vergePay wallet through the Tor network, anonymizing the traffic and masking IP addresses. It also offers dual-key stealth addressing, through which senders can create one-time wallet addresses on behalf of recipients to help protect the recipients' privacy, as well as using atomic swaps to power trustless peer-to-peer cross-blockchain transactions.

Verge seeks mainstream adoption, and as such, the Verge Core team pursues strategic partnerships to increase its awareness and use. It sponsors professional athletes and has partnered with platforms such as payments and rewards ecosystem MobiePay, crypto payments platform and ATM provider MeconCash, and blockchain-based online gambling platform Crazy8Token, among others.

The Verge Core team often relies on crowdfunding and community support to be able to scale, market and pursue partnerships. In April 2018, the project raised 75 million XVG (approximately $7 million at the time) to cover the costs of integrating with a major payments processor.

How Many Verge (XVG) Coins Are There in Circulation?

The total maximum supply of Verge is capped at 16.5 billion XVG. According to Verge, the supply cap is intentionally high as a way to ensure that the value of each individual token remains low, allowing users to avoid fractional payments. It also makes it more difficult for any one individual to take control of a large number of XVG in order to manipulate markets.

The cryptocurrency did not have an initial coin offering, nor was there any premining of tokens. As such, the Verge development team has said it does not hold a significant amount of XVG. Rather, all currently circulating XVG was introduced through the Verge blockchain's proof-of-work mining process, which is multialgorithmic and supports Scrypt, X17, Lyra2rev2, Myr-groestl and Blake2s.

Verge undergoes a periodic halving event that reduces the amount of XVG miners receive as a block reward by 50%. Under the current emission schedule, rewards are halved every 500,000 blocks.

How Is the Verge Network Secured?

The Verge network is secured through a proof-of-work consensus algorithm similar to that of Bitcoin, on which Verge's code is based. At least 51% of all full nodes in the network must agree that a transaction is valid in order for it to be added to the blockchain, and new blocks are created through the mining process, in which users compete among one another to solve complex, energy-intensive problems. However, unlike Bitcoin, Verge supports five different mining algorithms. According to the development team, this makes the network more secure, as more people are able to participate in the mining process.

In April 2018, Verge suffered an attack on its network that used an exploit related to the Scrypt mining algorithm to instamine a reported 20 million XVG. In response, the project initiated a hard fork to patch the issue. While it was widely referred to as a 51% attack, founder and lead developer Valo denied this, saying it was actually a timewarp attack, which involves manipulating block timestamps in order to reduce mining difficulty.

Where Can You Buy Verge (XVG)?

XVG is available to purchase on many exchanges including Binance, HitBTC, Bittrex and Huobi Global. It can be traded against fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar and the euro, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether (ETH), and the stablecoin Tether (USDT)

Are you interested in buying XVG or other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin? CoinMarketCap has a simple, step-by-step guide to teach you all about crypto and how to buy your first coins.

AI Analysis

Analyzed on March 1, 2026

What is the Verge (XVG) cryptocurrency good for? What are its main use cases?

Verge (XVG) is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency designed to provide anonymous, decentralized transactions. Its main use cases include:

1. Private & Anonymous Transactions

  • Verge uses Tor and I2P networks to obfuscate IP addresses, making transactions untraceable.
  • It supports Stealth Addressing, ensuring that transaction details (sender, receiver, and amount) remain hidden.
  • Unlike Bitcoin, Verge does not rely on a public ledger that can be traced back to users.

2. Fast & Low-Cost Payments

  • Verge offers quick confirmations (typically within seconds) and low transaction fees, making it suitable for everyday payments.
  • It supports multiple algorithms (Scrypt, X17, Lyra2v2, etc.), allowing different mining methods (CPU, GPU, ASIC).

3. Decentralized & Community-Driven

  • Verge is community-governed, with no central authority controlling its development.
  • It has a strong focus on decentralization, making it resistant to censorship.

4. Privacy for Online Services

  • Verge can be used for anonymous online purchases, donations, or payments where privacy is a priority.
  • Some darknet markets and privacy-focused services accept XVG for transactions.

5. Cross-Border Remittances

  • Due to its low fees and fast transactions, Verge can be used for international money transfers without intermediaries.

6. Integration with Privacy Tools

  • Verge is compatible with privacy wallets like Verge Electrum and Mobile Wallets (Android/iOS).
  • It supports Wraith Protocol, allowing users to toggle between public and private transactions.

Potential Limitations

  • Regulatory Scrutiny: Privacy coins often face restrictions in some jurisdictions.
  • Competition: Other privacy coins like Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) offer stronger anonymity features.
  • Adoption Challenges: Verge has a smaller market cap and less mainstream adoption compared to Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Conclusion

Verge is best suited for users who prioritize privacy, fast transactions, and low fees. While it competes with other privacy coins, its community-driven approach and multi-algorithm mining make it a unique option in the cryptocurrency space.

Would you like details on how to buy or store XVG securely?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

What blockchain does Verge use? Is it its own blockchain or built on top of another?

Verge (XVG) operates on its own independent blockchain, not on top of another blockchain like Ethereum or Bitcoin. It was originally forked from the Dogecoin codebase but has since evolved with its own unique features and improvements.

Key Details About Verge's Blockchain:

  1. Original Fork: Verge started as a fork of Dogecoin (which itself is a fork of Litecoin) but has since diverged significantly.
  2. Privacy Features: Verge is known for its privacy-focused features, including Tor and I2P integration to anonymize IP addresses and Wraith Protocol (a privacy mode that allows optional stealth addresses).
  3. Proof-of-Work (PoW) Consensus: Verge uses a five-algorithm mining system (Scrypt, X17, Lyra2v2, Myr-Groestl, and Blake2s) to promote decentralization and prevent ASIC dominance.
  4. Fast Transactions: It aims for quick confirmations, with block times of 30 seconds (originally 5 minutes, later adjusted for speed).
  5. No Smart Contracts: Unlike Ethereum, Verge does not support smart contracts; it focuses on privacy and fast transactions.

Is Verge a Layer-1 or Layer-2?

Verge is a Layer-1 blockchain, meaning it operates as its own standalone network rather than being built on top of another blockchain.

Comparison to Other Blockchains:

  • Not a Fork of Bitcoin/Ethereum: Unlike many altcoins, Verge did not fork directly from Bitcoin or Ethereum.
  • Not a Sidechain or Layer-2: It does not rely on another blockchain for security or functionality.

Current Status:

Verge has faced criticism over the years regarding development activity and security concerns (e.g., past 51% attacks). However, it remains operational with a community of users focused on privacy and decentralization.

Would you like details on its mining, wallets, or recent developments?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

Is Verge programmable? Does it support smart contracts or decentralized applications?

Yes, Verge (XVG) is programmable to some extent, but its capabilities are more limited compared to platforms like Ethereum or Solana. Here’s a breakdown of its features:

1. Smart Contracts on Verge

  • Verge does not natively support smart contracts in the same way as Ethereum or other blockchain platforms.
  • However, Verge has explored sidechains and layer-2 solutions to enable smart contract functionality.
  • Verge Scientific (VXV), a rebranding effort, aimed to introduce smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) through a new blockchain architecture.

2. Decentralized Applications (dApps)

  • Currently, Verge does not have a robust dApp ecosystem like Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain.
  • Some projects have experimented with Verge-based dApps, but adoption remains limited.
  • The Verge Scientific (VXV) upgrade was intended to improve scalability and smart contract capabilities, but its progress has been slow.

3. Alternative Solutions

  • Verge has integrated with other blockchains (e.g., Binance Smart Chain via bridges) to enable DeFi and dApp interactions.
  • Some developers have built lightweight dApps using Verge’s privacy features (like Tor integration), but these are not as advanced as those on major smart contract platforms.

Conclusion

While Verge is not a full-fledged smart contract platform, efforts like Verge Scientific (VXV) aim to introduce these features. For now, its programmability is limited compared to Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano. If you're looking for a privacy-focused coin with potential smart contract capabilities, Verge is worth watching, but it’s not yet a top choice for dApp development.

Would you like details on specific Verge-based projects or alternatives?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

How fast are Verge transactions? What is the typical confirmation time and throughput (transactions per second)?

Verge (XVG) is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that aims to provide fast and anonymous transactions. Here’s an overview of its transaction speed, confirmation time, and throughput:

1. Transaction Speed & Confirmation Time

  • Typical Confirmation Time: Verge transactions usually confirm within 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on network conditions and the mining algorithm used (Verge supports multiple Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithms like Scrypt, X17, Lyra2v2, etc.).
  • Block Time: Verge has a 30-second block time, meaning a new block is mined every 30 seconds.

2. Throughput (Transactions Per Second - TPS)

  • Verge’s theoretical maximum throughput is around 10–15 transactions per second (TPS), similar to Bitcoin’s base layer but faster due to shorter block times.
  • In practice, throughput can vary based on network congestion and mining activity.

3. Comparison to Other Cryptocurrencies

  • Faster than Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin’s average confirmation time is ~10 minutes, while Verge is much faster (~30 sec–2 min).
  • Slower than Lightning Network or Layer-2 Solutions: Verge’s base layer is not as fast as Bitcoin’s Lightning Network or Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions (e.g., Arbitrum, Optimism).
  • Similar to Litecoin (LTC): Litecoin has a 2.5-minute block time, while Verge is slightly faster.

4. Factors Affecting Speed

  • Network Congestion: If many transactions are pending, confirmations may take longer.
  • Mining Algorithm: Verge’s multi-algorithm approach helps decentralize mining but can sometimes lead to variability in block times.
  • Transaction Fees: Higher fees can prioritize transactions, but Verge typically has low fees.

Conclusion

Verge offers fast confirmations (30 sec–2 min) and a moderate throughput (10–15 TPS), making it suitable for quick, private transactions. However, for higher scalability, Layer 2 solutions or other cryptocurrencies with faster networks (e.g., Solana, Algorand) may be more efficient.

Would you like details on Verge’s privacy features or how it compares to Monero (XMR) in terms of speed?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

How much data can I store on the Verge blockchain? Does it support on-chain data storage?

The Verge (XVG) blockchain is primarily designed for privacy-focused cryptocurrency transactions and does not natively support large-scale on-chain data storage like some other blockchains (e.g., Ethereum with IPFS or Filecoin). Here’s what you need to know:

1. On-Chain Data Storage Limits

  • Verge uses a UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model, similar to Bitcoin, which means transactions are limited in size.
  • Each transaction can include a small amount of arbitrary data (e.g., OP_RETURN or metadata), but this is not intended for large-scale storage.
  • The maximum block size in Verge is 2MB (adjustable via consensus), but storing significant data on-chain would be inefficient and costly.

2. Off-Chain Storage Options

If you need to store large amounts of data, Verge does not have built-in decentralized storage solutions like:

  • IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)
  • Filecoin
  • Arweave

However, you could:

  • Use a separate decentralized storage solution (e.g., IPFS + Ethereum smart contracts) and reference the data via a Verge transaction.
  • Store metadata in a Verge transaction (e.g., a hash or link to off-chain data).

3. Comparison with Other Blockchains

  • Ethereum: Supports smart contracts and decentralized storage via IPFS/Arweave.
  • Bitcoin: Limited to small OP_RETURN data (80 bytes max per transaction).
  • Verge: Similar to Bitcoin in terms of data storage limitations.

Conclusion

Verge is not optimized for on-chain data storage. If you need to store large datasets, consider using a dedicated decentralized storage solution and referencing it via a Verge transaction. For small metadata, you can include it in a transaction, but it won’t scale efficiently.

Would you like recommendations for alternative blockchains better suited for data storage?

Answered by mistral-small-latest (mistral)

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