Wrapped and Ready: Coinbase Brings XRP, ADA, DOGE to Base

Coinbase is cranking up the heat in the wrapped token game. On May 13, the crypto exchange dropped some big news on its Assets X account: wrapped versions of four beloved altcoins—XRP, Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Litecoin (LTC)—are en route to its Ethereum Layer-2 network, Base.

Let’s call it what it is: a power move. Coinbase is bridging ecosystems, removing friction, and giving users a taste of true DeFi flexibility. The announcement came with a caveat though—none of these wrapped assets (cbXRP, cbADA, cbDOGE, cbLTC) are live yet. The launch date is still under wraps, but the buzz? It’s loud and clear.

For anyone scratching their head about why this matters, here's the lowdown. Wrapped tokens are crypto clones pegged 1:1 to the value of their original asset. Think XRP but playable in Ethereum's sandbox. These tokens aren't just gimmicks; they're the glue holding cross-chain DeFi together.

And with Base already securing over $15 billion in total value, per L2BEAT, this isn’t Coinbase testing waters—this is a full cannonball into the DeFi deep end.

What Are Wrapped Tokens and Why Should You Care?

Wrapped tokens are like VIP passes. They let non-native crypto assets mingle on blockchain networks where they otherwise wouldn't belong. Imagine using your Bitcoin or XRP to farm yield, swap assets, or borrow stablecoins on Ethereum-based apps. That’s the magic of wrapped tokens.

So why now, and why these coins?

Let’s look at the lineup:

XRP: Known for cross-border payments.

Cardano (ADA): Built for smart contracts with a loyal developer base.

Dogecoin (DOGE): Once a meme, now a top-10 market cap asset.

Litecoin (LTC): Fast, reliable, and surprisingly resilient.

By introducing these wrapped tokens on Base, Coinbase is unlocking a new world where interoperability isn’t a buzzword—it’s the blueprint. And users benefit most: lower fees, broader access to DeFi protocols, and no need to hop between chains like a digital nomad.

This move also follows the success of cbBTC, Coinbase’s wrapped Bitcoin product, which racked up a $4B supply. Lesson learned? Wrapped works.

Coinbase Playing Defense: Scam Alerts and Security First

Crypto ain’t the Wild West anymore, but bad actors still roam. That’s why Coinbase attached an important PSA with its announcement: cbXRP, cbADA, cbDOGE, and cbLTC are not yet available.

But of course, scammers don’t wait. Fake tokens and bogus claims have already started circling, so Coinbase did the smart thing. It published official Base contract addresses to help users verify the real deal once the tokens go live:

cbADA: 0xcbADA732173e39521CDBE8bf59a6Dc85A9fc7b8c

cbDOGE: 0xcbD06E5A2B0C65597161de254AA074E489dEb510

cbLTC: 0xcb17C9Db87B595717C857a08468793f5bAb6445F

cbXRP: 0xcb585250f852C6c6bf90434AB21A00f02833a4af

Coinbase has been here before. Last year, when BitGo changed its custody model for WBTC, Coinbase pounced with cbBTC. Since launch, cbBTC has expanded to Ethereum and Solana, cementing Coinbase's credibility in the wrapped token niche.

So this isn’t just a product drop—it’s part of a pattern. Coinbase is positioning Base as the go-to hub for multi-chain DeFi. And that means security can’t be an afterthought.

What This Means for DeFi and Everyday Crypto Users

Alright, enough with the corporate strategy—what’s in it for you?

1. Lower Fees

Using Ethereum mainnet is like paying Manhattan rent for a studio apartment. Base, as a Layer-2 solution, cuts transaction fees dramatically. That’s a win for everyone.

2. Better Access to Tools

Wrapped assets open the door to yield farming, staking, decentralized lending, and cross-asset trading. Instead of being locked into one chain, your coins can roam free.

3. More Liquidity

With cbXRP, cbADA, cbDOGE, and cbLTC entering the DeFi space, liquidity pools will deepen. That means smoother trading and fewer slippage nightmares.

In plain terms? You’ll be able to do more with your crypto, faster and cheaper.

It’s a big deal for developers too. Building on Base just got a whole lot juicier now that top-tier tokens are in the mix. Expect an explosion of new dApps tailored to these assets.

Conclusion: Coinbase Just Flipped the DeFi Playbook

Coinbase isn’t just listing wrapped tokens. It’s building the backbone for what DeFi 2.0 might look like.

The move to bring wrapped XRP, ADA, DOGE, and LTC to Base network isn’t about short-term gains or token hype. It’s a long-term play for interoperability, scalability, and user empowerment. Wrapped tokens make blockchains talk to each other. Base makes sure they do it cheaply and securely.

If you’re holding any of those four assets, your world’s about to get a lot bigger. If you’re a DeFi degen, this is your cue to start building. And if you’re Coinbase? Well, you just made Base the hottest Layer-2 in town.

Stay sharp, check those contract addresses, and as always: verify before you DeFi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are wrapped tokens?

Wrapped tokens are cryptocurrencies that represent another underlying crypto asset. They’re pegged 1:1 in value and allow users to use those assets on different blockchains—like using BTC or XRP on Ethereum-based DeFi apps.

When will cbXRP, cbADA, cbDOGE, and cbLTC be live?

Coinbase hasn’t announced an official launch date yet. Users should follow Coinbase’s official channels for updates and be cautious of fake announcements or scams.

What is Base, and why is Coinbase building on it?

Base is Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 network. It offers faster transactions and lower fees while remaining secure and decentralized. Coinbase is using it to scale DeFi access for mainstream users.

How can users verify legitimate wrapped tokens?

Coinbase published official smart contract addresses for each wrapped token. Always cross-check these addresses before interacting with or purchasing wrapped assets.

What is cbBTC, and how does it relate to these new tokens?

cbBTC is Coinbase’s wrapped version of Bitcoin. It was launched in response to changes in WBTC custody and has since gained adoption on Ethereum and Solana. The new tokens (cbXRP, cbADA, etc.) follow this successful model.

What are the benefits of using wrapped tokens in DeFi?

Users gain access to cross-chain liquidity, lower transaction fees, and a broader range of DeFi protocols. Wrapped tokens also reduce the need to move assets across chains manually.

Are there risks with using wrapped tokens?

Yes. Like all crypto assets, wrapped tokens carry risks—particularly if users interact with counterfeit contracts. Always verify token addresses and use reputable platforms to avoid scams.

Glossary of Key Terms

Wrapped Token: A crypto asset pegged to another coin that can operate on different blockchains.

Layer-2: A network that runs on top of a blockchain to improve speed and lower costs.

Base: Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 network.

Interoperability: The ability of different blockchains to work together.

Slippage: The difference between expected and actual trade execution prices.