If a coin introduces a completely new technology that enables a different function and is sustainable in the long term, does it have the potential to be a worthwhile investment?
There is never an easy answer to this one otherwise everyone would nail it. You really need to either do an insane amount of research or just gamble and know there is a good chance you might lose all of that investment. Start following smart people amd check our their recommendations and go from there.
Innovative ideas, practical technology, not just empty bragging rights, and community-based projects might be good places to start.