Auroracoin (AUR) is a digital currency launched in 2014, with the aim of providing a decentralized alternative to the Icelandic krona. It was created by a pseudonymous person or group called Baldur Friggjar Óðinsson. The coin was designed to be mined using consumer-grade hardware, with the aim of making it accessible to everyone. The project was well received in Iceland, where it gained significant adoption. However, it failed to gain much traction outside of the country and has since seen a decline in its value and adoption.
Auroracoin is based on the Litecoin protocol, which is itself a fork of Bitcoin. It uses a proof-of-work consensus algorithm, with the Scrypt hashing function. The block time is set at 2.5 minutes, which is faster than Bitcoin's 10 minutes, but slower than Litecoin's 2.5 minutes. The maximum supply of AUR is 21 million, with around 18.6 million currently in circulation. There are no major technological innovations in Auroracoin that set it apart from other cryptocurrencies.
Auroracoin gained significant adoption in Iceland, where it was used for various purposes, including buying goods and services, paying bills, and even paying for public transportation. The coin was a response to the financial crisis that hit Iceland in 2008, which resulted in the collapse of the country's banking system and a significant devaluation of the krona. However, the project failed to gain much traction outside of Iceland, and its adoption has since declined. As of 2021, Auroracoin is not listed on any major exchanges, and its market capitalization is only a fraction of its peak value.
Auroracoin has a small and dedicated community, primarily consisting of Icelandic enthusiasts. The project's creator, Baldur Friggjar Óðinsson, has remained anonymous and has not been actively involved in the development of the coin in recent years. The project's official website has not been updated since 2015, which suggests that the development has been abandoned. However, there are still a few active community members who are working to keep the project alive.
Auroracoin faces stiff competition from other cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other altcoins. These coins have much larger communities, better technological features, and higher market capitalizations. Moreover, Auroracoin's focus on the Icelandic market limits its potential for growth and adoption outside of the country. The project's lack of development and updates further undermines its competitiveness in the crowded cryptocurrency market.
The future outlook for Auroracoin is uncertain. The project's lack of development and updates, coupled with its declining adoption and market capitalization, suggest that it may be a dying project. However, the coin still has a small and dedicated community in Iceland, which may be enough to keep it alive. Additionally, if the Icelandic krona were to experience another crisis, Auroracoin could potentially see a resurgence in adoption. Overall, it is difficult to predict the future of Auroracoin, but its current state suggests that it is not a promising investment opportunity.
There are many rumors that the company operates illegally and without a proper financial regulatory license.