What is Toncoin (TON), now Gram, and how is it linked to Telegram?

Toncoin is the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network, usually called TON, and since June 2026 it goes by its original name, Gram. TON was first designed by Telegram, the messaging company, and it is now the blockchain built into Telegram's app ecosystem. The token pays transaction fees and is staked by validators who secure the network.

Why did Telegram first leave the TON blockchain?

Telegram started building the TON blockchain and its token, then called Grams, in 2017. In a January 2020 notice, Telegram said no Grams had been issued yet and that it would have no control over the network after launch.

The SEC had sued Telegram over the Gram sale. In June 2020 the SEC announced court-approved settlements requiring Telegram to return more than $1.2 billion to investors and pay an $18.5 million penalty. According to the SEC, Telegram had sold about 2.9 billion Grams to 171 initial buyers. Telegram then stepped back, and community developers carried on the network under the name The Open Network, with its coin known as Toncoin. For more on how regulators view token sales, see what the SEC does in crypto.

How is Toncoin linked to Telegram today?

The link grew much closer over 2025 and 2026. Cointelegraph reported in January 2025 that Telegram made TON the only blockchain for its Mini Apps, and that Toncoin became the only accepted crypto for paying for Telegram services such as Stars, Premium and Ads. Creators and channel owners are paid out in Toncoin for Stars and ad revenue they earn.

In 2026 Telegram CEO Pavel Durov moved further. Decrypt reports that Telegram announced in May 2026 that it was taking back stewardship of the network, and The Block reported Durov's plans for Telegram to replace the TON Foundation as the main steward and largest validator.

Why was Toncoin renamed Gram?

On June 1, 2026, Durov announced that TON's native currency would return to the name Gram, used in the project's first whitepaper. The Block reported he framed it as returning to the project's roots. Decrypt says the change went live in June 2026 after about 81% of voters backed it in a community vote. The ticker changed to GRAM, the network stayed TON, and existing balances and addresses did not need any migration. Any message telling you to swap TON for GRAM is a likely scam; see common crypto scams.

What is the Telegram wallet for Gram?

Telegram already offers an @wallet bot, which Decrypt says is run by a separate company and partly works in custodial mode. In July 2026 Durov announced a native non-custodial Gram wallet for all Telegram users, where people hold their own keys. As of early September 2026, Crowdfund Insider reported the wallet was open to a limited first group. On October 9, 2026, Walt (the renamed @wallet service) said on X that the native wallet is now called Money and is being rolled out widely inside Telegram; trading stays in Walt, while Money holds and sends Gram. Durov said earlier that the rollout would be gradual, so not every user may have it yet. For the difference this makes, read custodial vs non-custodial wallets.

TON uses proof of stake. Its docs say running a validator technically needs 300,000 GRAM, though in practice it takes far more, so most holders who stake use pools or liquid staking providers.