> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://base-a060aa97-docs-add-b20-spec.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Variants: Asset vs Stablecoin

> Choose between B20 Asset and Stablecoin variants and understand their variant-specific behavior.

B20 has two variants. Both share the base ERC-20-compatible B20 surface, roles, policy scopes, memos, pausing, supply caps, and permit.

## Decision table

| Capability                | Asset                         | Stablecoin  |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ----------- |
| Decimals                  | Configurable 6-18 at creation | Fixed `6`   |
| Variant byte              | `0x00`                        | `0x01`      |
| Address shape             | `0xB200...`                   | `0xB201...` |
| Extra metadata            | Yes                           | No          |
| Scaled balance multiplier | Yes                           | No          |
| Announcements             | Yes                           | No          |
| Batch mint                | Yes                           | No          |
| Currency code             | No                            | Yes         |

## Asset extras

### Multiplier

Asset tokens expose a WAD-precision multiplier for scaled UI balances. Raw balances remain unchanged; scaled balances are derived at read time.

<Warning>
  For Asset tokens, `balanceOf(account)` returns the raw ERC-20 balance. `scaledBalanceOf(account)` returns the multiplier-adjusted display balance. Choose one view for your integration and label it clearly.
</Warning>

Routine multiplier changes should use scheduled updates when possible. Instant `updateMultiplier` is an emergency override.

### Announcements

`announce(internalCalls, id, description, uri)` emits `Announcement`, executes internal calls, then emits `EndAnnouncement`. Announcement IDs are unique forever. Non-panic inner reverts are wrapped in `InternalCallFailed`.

Use announcements to wrap holder-impacting operations such as batch minting or multiplier changes.

### Batch mint

`batchMint(recipients, amounts)` mints to multiple recipients atomically. Any failing element reverts the whole batch. It is gated by `MINT_ROLE` and should be wrapped in `announce` when disclosure is required.

### Extra metadata

Asset tokens can store issuer-defined string key/value metadata. Setting an empty value deletes the entry.

## Stablecoin currency

Stablecoin tokens expose `currency()`, set once at creation. The code must contain uppercase `A`-`Z` characters only.

<Warning>
  B20 validates the currency code format, not the issuer's claim. A token can set `currency()` to `USD`, but B20 does not verify reserves, legal status, or registration with an external currency registry.
</Warning>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="IB20Asset reference" href="/base-chain/specs/upgrades/beryl/b20/specification/reference/interfaces/IB20Asset" />

  <Card title="IB20Stablecoin reference" href="/base-chain/specs/upgrades/beryl/b20/specification/reference/interfaces/IB20Stablecoin" />
</CardGroup>