eBay takes a small but significant step towards virtual currencies

eBay is launching a dedicated Virtual Currency category on eBay Classifieds in the UK on 10th February. The Classified Ads category will allow for the sale of all types of digital currency, including bitcoin and litecoin, eBay representatives have confirmed. eBay Classifieds, which lists posts throughout the site, serves as the site’s answer to Craigslist. eBay provides the free platform for local buyers and sellers to connect, but does not participate in the transactions.

One small step for Bitcoin, one medium-sized leap for eBay. Starting on Feb. 10, the UK section of the online marketplace will open a “virtual currency” category within its classified ads for the listing of Bitcoin, as well as its various offshoots —Coinyes, dogecoins and others that have emerged. Customers will be able to put up listings for virtual cturrencies and conceivably offer them as forms of payment in outside transactions. Purchases through eBay will still need to be in a government-issued currency.