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SponsoredFrom Telegram’s original Gram vision to Toncoin and its 2026 return to GRAM, here’s how TON’s native token evolved.
How GRAM Became GRAM: The Story Behind TON’s Native Token
The history of GRAM is closely connected to Telegram and the evolution of The Open Network (TON).
What started as Telegram’s ambitious plan for a native cryptocurrency in the late 2010s eventually became a community-driven blockchain ecosystem. Years later, the network’s native asset returned to its original name: Gram (GRAM).
SponsoredHere’s how that transformation happened.
Telegram began developing the Telegram Open Network (TON) and its native cryptocurrency, Gram, in 2017.
Telegram’s original vision was for Gram to function as a digital currency within a high-speed blockchain ecosystem, supporting everyday transactions and applications.
In a 2020 public notice, Telegram described TON as a blockchain platform and Grams as its planned native cryptocurrency. The company also emphasized that the blockchain was intended to support a decentralized ecosystem of third-party applications and developers.
Telegram’s official TON and Gram notice
Telegram's original TON project eventually faced regulatory challenges in the United States.
In 2020, Telegram ended its involvement with the original project. The technology and broader community, however, continued developing the open-source blockchain independently.
That community-driven evolution ultimately led to The Open Network, commonly known as TON.
The blockchain continued to develop while its native asset became known as Toncoin (TON).
Over the following years, TON became increasingly integrated with Telegram.
The blockchain became closely connected with Telegram's Mini Apps, digital collectibles, advertising ecosystem, payments and other Web3 features.
Telegram's own historical documentation shows how TON became increasingly embedded in the messaging platform, including blockchain-based collectibles and TON-powered advertising infrastructure.
Telegram's official evolution history
The result was a blockchain ecosystem increasingly focused on bringing crypto applications directly to Telegram users.
The biggest naming change came in 2026.
As part of the broader changes surrounding TON, the network's community voted to restore the original name of its native cryptocurrency.
On June 15, 2026, Toncoin (TON) officially became Gram (GRAM).
Importantly, the blockchain itself did not change its name.
TON remains the blockchain.
GRAM is the native token.
According to Wallet's official documentation, the rename changed the token's name, ticker and logo, while balances, addresses and assets remained unchanged. Users did not need to swap their existing tokens or migrate funds.
Wallet's official Gram rename guide
TON's official media guidelines now similarly define Gram as the token and TON as the blockchain.
TON official media assets and branding guide
GRAM is now the native coin of the TON blockchain.
It is used for network fees, validation and other blockchain activities. The TON ecosystem also connects Gram with Telegram-based services and applications.
According to TON's official website, Gram can be used for Telegram Stars, Premium subscriptions, giveaways and advertising payouts, alongside its core blockchain functions.
This gives GRAM a role that goes beyond being simply the network's transaction asset. It is increasingly connected to applications that Telegram users can access directly.
The return from Toncoin to Gram represents more than a branding change.
The name Gram connects today's TON ecosystem with the original cryptocurrency concept Telegram introduced years ago, while the underlying blockchain continues operating as TON.
For users, the transition was designed to be straightforward: the token changed its name and ticker, but balances, addresses and transactions remained intact.
For the wider ecosystem, the return of GRAM marks another chapter in the long relationship between Telegram and TON.
From Telegram's original Gram concept to the community-led TON ecosystem, the network has gone through several major phases.
The native asset became Toncoin, while TON developed into a broader blockchain ecosystem closely connected with Telegram.
Now, in 2026, the original name has returned.
Toncoin is GRAM. TON remains the blockchain.
The name may have come full circle, but the ecosystem surrounding it continues to evolve.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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GRAM trades near $1.34 on September 15 as the token consolidates after early-month volatility, with traders watching key support and resistance levels.
GRAM is holding near $1.37 as Telegram continues expanding blockchain-powered payments, Mini Apps and TON infrastructure across its ecosystem.
Gram is entering a new phase as Telegram expands its native wallet strategy and the TON ecosystem develops new infrastructure for payments, applications and Web3 adoption.
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