Dogecoin (DOGE) is a cryptocurrency that started as a joke coin, but it quickly gained a fervent following and real credibility. Dogecoin uses a Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm, but it uses Scrypt (using the source from Luckycoin, which was based on Litecoin) instead of SHA-256 (the basis for Bitcoin). As there is no real limit of coins there are nearly 100 billion Dogecoin on the market. Production will slow down once the 100 billion mark is reached.
Dogecoin was intended to be fast, light, cheap, and easy to use. It was intended to reach a broader audience than Bitcoin, as well as separate a cryptocurrency from Bitcoin’s shady past (scandals, Silk Road, etc). Although there aren’t many industrial uses, Dogecoin has gained traction with a very large fanbase. Shibes, as they are known, mainly use DOGE for tipping online. However, this fanbase has done some pretty remarkable things. In 2014, they helped raise funds to send the Jamaican Bobsled team to Sochi for the Winter Olympics, as well as another athlete, Shiva Keshavan. They also built a well in Kenya and sponsored a NASCAR for a race. You can find out more about Dogecoin at dogecoin.com