Summary
Gram (GRAM), formerly known as Toncoin (TON), is the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network (TON), a blockchain designed for fast transactions, decentralized applications, and scalable Web3 services. On June 15, 2026, Toncoin officially rebranded to Gram, reviving the original name associated with Telegram's early blockchain vision. Gram is used for transaction fees, staking, smart contract interactions, and ecosystem services across The Open Network. The network's sharding architecture and Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism help support scalability, efficiency, and low-cost transactions. Investors interested in long-term exposure to GRAM can buy and sell it through a tax-advantaged Crypto IRA at iTrustCapital.*
What is Gram (GRAM)?
Gram (GRAM), formerly known as Toncoin (TON), is the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network (TON), a blockchain designed to support fast digital transactions, decentralized applications (dApps), and scalable Web3 services. Built with a focus on speed, efficiency, and usability, Gram powers transactions and network activity across the TON ecosystem.
Historical Background and Development of Gram
The origins of Gram can be traced back to Telegram’s blockchain initiative, originally known as the Telegram Open Network (TON). The project was designed to create a highly scalable blockchain capable of supporting millions of users and decentralized applications.
Following regulatory challenges, Telegram stepped away from the project in 2020. Development continued under an independent community of developers, who rebranded the ecosystem as The Open Network (TON) while preserving the original vision of a scalable, user-friendly blockchain network.
The network's native asset was widely known as Toncoin (TON) for several years. On June 15, 2026, the asset was renamed Gram (GRAM), a nod to the original "Gram" token envisioned during the project's early development. While the cryptocurrency's name changed, its role within The Open Network ecosystem remained the same.
How Gram Works: Technology and Mechanisms
Blockchain and Sharding Technology
Gram operates on The Open Network, which utilizes a multi-blockchain architecture designed to process large volumes of transactions efficiently. This is achieved through sharding, a process that divides the network into smaller segments capable of processing transactions simultaneously. This approach helps improve scalability while maintaining network performance.
Consensus Mechanism
The Open Network uses a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Rather than relying on energy-intensive mining, validators help secure the network by staking GRAM. Validators are selected to process transactions and maintain network integrity based on their participation and stake.
This model helps reduce energy consumption while supporting network security and efficiency.
Smart Contracts
The Open Network supports smart contracts, enabling developers to build decentralized applications across sectors such as finance, gaming, digital identity, and social applications. Smart contracts automatically execute predefined actions when specific conditions are met, helping reduce the need for intermediaries.
Gram vs. Other Crypto Assets
Gram distinguishes itself from many blockchain networks through several key characteristics:
Energy Efficiency
Unlike Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work model, The Open Network uses Proof-of-Stake, which generally requires significantly less energy to operate.
Scalability
Through its sharding architecture, Gram is designed to process a large number of transactions simultaneously, helping the network scale as adoption grows.
Transaction Speed and Cost
The network was built to support fast transaction processing and relatively low transaction costs, making it suitable for payments, decentralized applications, and other blockchain-based services.
These characteristics have helped position Gram as a utility asset within a rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem.
Use Cases & Applications
GRAM plays an important role across the Gram ecosystem:
Network Transactions
GRAM is used to pay network fees associated with transactions and smart contract interactions on The Open Network.
Staking and Network Security
Users may stake GRAM to participate in helping secure the network and support validator operations.
Governance Participation
The Gram ecosystem may utilize governance mechanisms that allow participants to contribute feedback and vote on certain network proposals.
Ecosystem Applications
GRAM can be used across applications built on The Open Network, including decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, payments, digital identity services, and other blockchain-based solutions.
Cross-Chain Connectivity
The network supports infrastructure designed to improve interoperability and asset movement between The Open Network and other blockchain ecosystems.
Buy and Sell Gram (GRAM) in a Tax-Advantaged* Crypto IRA
For those interested in expanding their portfolio with digital assets, Gram (GRAM) may offer exposure to one of the largest blockchain ecosystems focused on scalability and user adoption.
You can buy and sell Gram (GRAM) in a tax-advantaged* Crypto IRA through iTrustCapital. Investors can also access a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and other supported digital assets through a secure and easy-to-use platform.
Top 5 Reasons to Open a Crypto IRA at iTrustCapital
- Tax-advantaged investing for eligible retirement accounts
- 24/7 online access to buy and sell supported assets
- Institutional custody solutions
- Diversification with crypto and precious metals
*Some taxes may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Toncoin (TON)?
Toncoin (TON) was renamed to Gram (GRAM) on June 15, 2026. The rebrand revived the original "Gram" name associated with Telegram's early blockchain initiative. While the asset's name and ticker changed, its function as the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network remained unchanged.
Is Gram (GRAM) the same as Toncoin?
Yes. Gram (GRAM) is the same digital asset that was previously known as Toncoin (TON). The rebrand changed the name and ticker symbol, but the underlying blockchain, network infrastructure, and utility of the asset remain the same.
What is The Open Network (TON)?
The Open Network (TON) is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to support scalable decentralized applications, payments, and digital services. Originally inspired by Telegram's blockchain initiative, TON utilizes technologies such as sharding and Proof-of-Stake consensus to improve network performance and efficiency. Gram serves as the native cryptocurrency that powers activity across the ecosystem.
What is Gram (GRAM) used for?
Gram is used to pay transaction fees, interact with smart contracts, participate in staking, and support various applications built on The Open Network. It also helps facilitate ecosystem services and network operations. As adoption grows, GRAM may play a larger role across decentralized finance, gaming, and Web3 applications built on TON.
Is Gram a Proof-of-Stake cryptocurrency?
Yes. The Open Network uses a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Validators stake GRAM to help secure the network and validate transactions, which allows the blockchain to operate efficiently without the energy-intensive mining process used by Proof-of-Work networks.
Can I buy Gram (GRAM) in a Crypto IRA?
Yes. Investors can buy and sell Gram (GRAM) through a self-directed Crypto IRA offered by iTrustCapital. Holding digital assets inside a Crypto IRA may provide tax advantages compared to investing through a taxable account, depending on individual circumstances. iTrustCapital also provides access to a diversified selection of cryptocurrencies and precious metals through a single platform.
What makes Gram different from Bitcoin?
Gram and Bitcoin serve different purposes within their respective networks. Bitcoin was primarily designed as a decentralized digital currency and store of value, while Gram powers a broader blockchain ecosystem focused on decentralized applications, payments, and Web3 services. Additionally, The Open Network uses Proof-of-Stake and sharding technologies, whereas Bitcoin operates using Proof-of-Work.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute investment advice in any way or constitute an offer to buy or sell any cryptocurrency, digital asset or security or to participate in any investment strategy.
iTrustCapital is a fintech software platform for alternative assets. iTrustCapital is not an exchange, funding portal, custodian, trust company, licensed broker, dealer, broker-dealer, investment advisor, investment manager, or adviser in the United States or elsewhere. iTrustCapital has no direct relationship, and is not associated with GRAM. iTrustCapital is not affiliated with and does not endorse any particular digital asset, precious metal or investment strategy.
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