TON blockchain and its native token Gram have a fascinating history. Here's how crypto in Telegram evolved.
📖 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.
👥 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.
🔄 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.
⭐️ 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 👥
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