TON blockchain and its native token Gram have a fascinating history. Here's how crypto in Telegram evolved.
๐ First came the name
In 2017, Pavel Durov was choosing a name for Telegram's new cryptocurrency.
The idea was to give it a simple, familiar name that would fit naturally into everyday life. That's how Gram was born.
๐ฅ Then came the community
In 2019, Telegram stepped away from the project, and the community continued developing the open-source technology independently. The blockchain later became The Open Network, with Toncoin as its native token.
Toncoin wasn't immediately listed on major exchanges, so @wallet was created as a simple way to buy the coin right inside the messenger.
๐ The long-awaited return
In spring 2026, Durov announced the MTONGA plan, Make TON Great Again, with 7 steps.
Telegram returned to the project: became the network's largest validator, replaced TON Foundation and taking a leading role in TON's development. The community voted to restore the original name: Toncoin became GRAM again.
โญ๏ธ Gram wallet
Continuing the MTONGA plan, Durov announced a built-in non-custodial wallet. It's already available to select groups and will reach millions of users over the coming weeks.
A new chapter is unfolding in the ecosystem, and together with Telegram's Gram wallet, we'll be shaping the crypto experience for users ๐ฅ
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