42-coin (42): What It Is, Uses and Risks

42-coin (42) is a cryptocurrency built around a deliberately tiny supply: its project description says there are only 42 coins. The token facts record a total supply of 42 and a circulating supply of about 41.99995. The maximum-supply field is not specified, so treat the 42-coin limit as the project’s stated design rather than as a separately confirmed figure in that field.

The project describes 42 as “the meaning of life and cryptocurrency,” referring to the number’s cultural association with that phrase. It does not describe a broader app, service, or specific utility for the coin. Its limited supply is a defining feature, but scarcity alone does not establish demand or practical use. The project is listed as launched on November 12, 2016. Some other public descriptions give a different launch year, so the launch history is not consistent across sources.

42 is described as a mineable cryptocurrency using Scrypt, a proof-of-work hashing algorithm. The project description also states a 42-second block time. These details describe the project’s stated design; they do not by themselves confirm that mining is active, profitable, or accessible today. Anyone considering mining should first verify the current network, software, and mining requirements from reliable project materials.

The token’s central role appears to be as a scarce cryptocurrency rather than as a token with a stated governance, fee-payment, or application function. No specific dApp or service is identified. As a result, it is better not to assume that holding 42 grants access to a product or gives holders special rights. A small supply can make each coin’s quoted price look very high, but that does not mean the coin is easy to sell or that its price is stable.

42 is listed as issued on BNB Chain and Solana, but it is not identified as the native token of either chain. A token representation on one chain is not automatically interchangeable with a representation on another. Before receiving, sending, or trading 42, check which network the wallet or service supports and confirm the exact token identity using trustworthy project information. Sending assets to an incompatible network or address can result in permanent loss.

As of November 5, 2026, the quoted price was about $19,300 per 42, with a market capitalization of roughly $811,000 and 24-hour trading volume of about $3,500. These are approximate snapshots, not fixed values. The low reported trading volume suggests that a sale may be difficult or may move the price substantially. The price history also includes large swings: the recorded all-time high was about $805,000 in December 2020, while the recorded low was about $1,072 in April 2021. Past prices do not indicate future performance.

42 carries the risks common to small, thinly traded cryptoassets, with additional concerns linked to its unusual supply and high per-coin price. Limited liquidity can make it hard to find a buyer at a quoted price, while a small number of trades can cause sharp price changes. The project’s stated scarcity does not guarantee that the token will retain value. Differences between chain-specific token versions can also create confusion, and unverified contracts or counterfeit tokens may put funds at risk.

Use a wallet that explicitly supports the correct 42 representation and network. Keep recovery phrases and private keys secret, store them offline where appropriate, and never share them with a person or website claiming to help you access or transfer the token. A hardware wallet may help protect keys if it supports the relevant asset and network, but confirm compatibility before sending funds. Be especially cautious of unsolicited wallet apps, exchange offers, and instructions to approve unfamiliar transactions. Only use funds you can afford to lose.