Crypto has always been sort of weird and bizarre. Born from the minds of privacy-loving hackers, tech wizards, and folks fed up with the status quo, it’s no shock that the scene is packed with oddballs. And maybe that’s why some really weird crypto projects have come about.
Now, as memecoins pop up like flowers in spring, the weirdness has hit new heights. I have gone through the chaos to bring you the 10 weirdest crypto projects that capture how bizarre crypto really is.
PotCoin’s High Hopes
First up on our list of the weirdest crypto projects is PotCoin (POT), the token tailor-made for (wait for it) cannabis fans. Launched in 2014 as a fork of Litecoin, POT aimed to make buying legal weed smoother and safer. It was basically the go-to payment for dispensaries and growers.
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With a total supply capped at 420 million coins, PotCoin dreamed big about becoming the standard in the budding industry. But like a bad high, it fizzled out.
Today, it’s barely surviving, though it once sponsored basketball star Dennis Rodman on his wild North Korea trip, sending prices soaring briefly. Weird? Absolutely. But innovative, one may say.
Petro’s Oil-Backed Flop
Up next is a project that unravelled government-level weirdness, Petro (PTR), Venezuela’s state-backed crypto baby from 2018. President Maduro, eyeing Bitcoin’s boom, thought tying a coin to the country’s massive oil reserves would pull in investors and fight hyperinflation.
Petro promised economic revival. But the government mined it themselves, making it super centralized, and that’s not exactly how crypto works.
It fell flat, never becoming the world’s first true national crypto. Among the weirdest crypto projects, Petro stands out for blending politics, oil, and blockchain in a recipe that just didn’t cook.
TrumpCoin
No list of the weirdest crypto projects would skip TrumpCoin (TRUMP).
Dropped in 2016 by fans to boost Donald Trump’s presidential run, this token had zero ties to President Trump himself. As a matter of fact, his son Eric even called the creators scammers.
With 18 million coins in total, it was meant as a show of support, but it quickly faded into obscurity. Even copycats like the Solana-based DJT popped up, riding election hype with no official links.
It’s a reminder that crypto loves a good controversy, even if it’s all smoke and mirrors.
PUTinCoin
As if TrumpCoin wasn’t bad enough, then came PUTinCoin (PUT), a tribute to Russia’s leader.
Launched to celebrate Russia’s people, economy, and president, it aimed to boost payments and development in the federation. Developers gushed about making transactions easier, but with the Russian government’s chilly stance on big cryptos like Bitcoin, it feels like a utopia.
Trading at a measly $0.0007, it’s more novelty than necessity. In the realm of the weirdest crypto projects, this one wins for its bold, borderline satirical patriotism.
Cthulhu Offerings
Diving into the eerie depths, Cthulhu Offerings (OFF), inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s cosmic horror tales, takes weird to another dimension.
Fans call tokens “blessings,” mining “sacrifice,” and themselves “cultists. ” Yeah… exactly. Beyond the spooky lingo, it’s just a basic, cheap crypto with no real use.
BitCoen: Giving us Kosher Vibes in the Weirdest Crypto Project
Here’s something I never thought we’d see; BitCoen (BEN), billed as the “first kosher crypto.”
Interestingly, BEN started in Russia by entrepreneur Vyacheslav Semenchuk instead of Israel. It’s open to all but funnels 10% of profits as interest-free loans to the Jewish community.
Trading spots are scarce, and it seems investors prefer other bets. BitCoen proves crypto can cater to niche communities with a straight face.
Useless Ethereum Token
Honesty is rare in crypto, but Useless Ethereum Token (UET) takes the cake. Created as a joke during the ICO frenzy, its website flat-out said it had no purpose and wouldn’t gain value. Yep!
The anonymous founder wanted to test if people would buy into nothing, and of course they did, raising $300,000.
Now unlisted and forgotten, it’s a hilarious critique of the hype machine. In our roundup of the weirdest crypto projects, UET shines for its self-aware absurdity, reminding us not to take everything so seriously. But also that humans flock to wherever there is hype, even if there is nothing to gain from it.
Dentacoin: Filling Cavities with the Weirdest Crypto Project
Who knew dentistry needed blockchain? Enter Dentacoin (DCN), launched in 2017 to revolutionize teeth care.
This Ethereum token was for rewarding patients for surveys, reviews, and positive habits, while professionals used it for supplies, as it cut red tape in payments. It spiked early, then tanked to a $235,000 market cap.
Weird crypto projects like this show how tokens tried to infiltrate everyday industries, but niche ideas often bite the dust.
Garlicoin
Garlicoin (GRLC) started as a 2018 joke centered on… garlic bread. Yes, really.
It boasts fast, cheap transactions and ASIC resistance, with a community that’s still alive and garlicky. Their chats start with “Garlic morning!” greetings and ideas like garlic bread meetups with paper wallets.
Among the weirdest crypto projects, Garlicoin wins hearts for its wholesome, foodie fun.
Dogecoin: The OG Memecoin
No list of cutest and weirdest crypto projects is complete without Dogecoin (DOGE), the 2013 creation of Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer as a satire on crypto speculation.
Dogecoin was meant to mock the madness but became a $15 billion beast instead. It spawned Shiba Inu (SHIB) and countless memecoins.
Final Thoughts
Crypto’s weird side is what keeps it exciting, at least for me. Whether you’re in for laughs or lessons, the weirdest crypto projects remind us why this space is endlessly fascinating. Hope you enjoyed our list, and don’t forget to tell your friends about Coin Medium.
