I've been trying to make sense to the difference between tokens and coins. Many sources claim that coins only function as a currency, while tokens have more functions such as providing goods and services. At the same time there seems to be a consensus that Ether is a coin, even though I've understood that functioning as a currency isn't even its main function. Even more, I've understood that Ether actually was sold as a token when Ethereum first started, or did that token have a different name?
Can anyone make sense of this?

Has anyone been able to verify their account recently without losing their money? I applied for verification a few days ago and only found out about these problems afterwards, and I'm really nervous now.