Cryptocurrencies selloff widens: Bitcoin down nearly 4%, ether 6%

A representation of virtual currency bitcoin is seen in front of a stock graph. Credit: Reuters File Photo

A selloff in cryptocurrencies widened on Tuesday, with bitcoin weakening nearly 4% while smaller rival ether fell more than 6%.

The world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency weakened 4% to $50,516, having risen to a mid-May high above $52,000 earlier, in Asian trading.

Also read: In a first, Bitcoin becomes legal tender in El Salvador

Ether, the coin linked to the ethereum blockchain network, fell more than 6% to $3,666.