Peercoin, launched in 2012 by developers Sunny King and Scott Nadal, is a pioneering cryptocurrency aimed at addressing the energy consumption issues prevalent in traditional blockchain networks. It combines proof-of-stake (PoS) with proof-of-work (PoW) to provide an innovative consensus mechanism that enhances security while significantly reducing energy usage. Peercoin's PoS protocol allows users to mint new coins based on their coin holdings, offering an incentive for long-term investment and network participation. With a focus on sustainability, inflation control, and decentralisation, Peercoin is designed as a payment solution and an eco-friendly alternative within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, often considered a foundational development in the evolution of blockchain technology.