The rise of TON (The Open Network) coin has captured the attention of crypto enthusiasts and investors worldwide. Created by Telegram founder Pavel Durov, TON has evolved from a niche blockchain project into one of the most talked-about digital assets in recent years. But what was the initial price of TON coin? And how has its value changed over time? In this comprehensive overview, we’ll dive into the early days of TON, explore its price trajectory, and provide insights for those interested in its long-term potential.
The Origins of TON Coin
TON, short for The Open Network, was initially conceived as a blockchain platform developed by the team behind the popular messaging app Telegram. The project was spearheaded by Pavel Durov, whose vision was to create a fast, scalable, and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem integrated with everyday communication tools.
👉 Discover how emerging blockchain networks are reshaping digital finance today.
The first public offering of TON coin took place in early 2018, marking the beginning of its journey in the cryptocurrency market. At that time, the token was sold privately to accredited investors at a price of $1.70 per coin. This initial valuation reflected both the project’s ambitious goals and the strong reputation of its founding team.
Back in 2018, the broader crypto landscape was still maturing. While Bitcoin had already gained significant attention, many alternative projects were just beginning to emerge. Public understanding of blockchain technology was limited, and regulatory uncertainty loomed large. Despite these challenges, TON managed to generate substantial interest due to Telegram’s massive global user base—over 100 million active users at the time.
Early Price Movements and Market Reaction
Following its private sale, TON coin did not immediately become available on public exchanges. However, secondary trading began to emerge, and market sentiment started to influence its perceived value.
By late 2018, the effective market price of TON tokens—traded over-the-counter and on informal platforms—had climbed above **$5.00**, representing nearly a threefold increase from its original $1.70 offering price. This surge was driven by growing anticipation around Telegram’s plans to integrate the blockchain into its messaging platform, enabling features like microtransactions, decentralized apps (dApps), and peer-to-peer payments.
Investors saw potential in a blockchain backed by a real-world application with millions of potential users. The idea of “crypto for mass adoption” resonated strongly during this period, positioning TON as more than just another speculative asset.
Volatility and Challenges in 2019
Despite early momentum, TON’s journey was far from smooth. In early 2019, the broader cryptocurrency market entered a prolonged downturn, commonly referred to as the “crypto winter.” Investor enthusiasm waned, and many projects saw their valuations collapse.
TON was not immune to these forces. By mid-2019, the unofficial trading price of TON coin had dropped below $1.00, falling beneath its original sale price. Critics questioned whether the project would ever launch, especially as regulatory scrutiny intensified.
In fact, in 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed an injunction against Telegram, halting the official rollout of the TON blockchain on grounds that the token sale constituted an unregistered securities offering. This legal setback delayed the network’s launch and cast doubt on TON’s future.
Resurgence and Relaunch
While Telegram eventually stepped back from direct involvement, the open-source nature of the project allowed independent developers to continue building on the TON protocol. Communities formed around New TON or The Open Network, reviving the ecosystem without central corporate control.
This grassroots revival paid off. By early 2020, renewed developer activity and community-driven initiatives began to restore confidence. By late 2021 and into 2022, TON started gaining traction again—with exchange listings, wallet integrations, and growing use cases in gaming, NFTs, and decentralized finance (DeFi).
As of 2025, TON coin is trading significantly higher than its original $1.70 price point—by more than tenfold in some instances—demonstrating resilience and long-term investor interest.
👉 See how early-stage blockchain investments can yield high returns with the right strategy.
Key Factors Behind TON’s Growth
Several elements have contributed to TON’s resurgence and sustained relevance:
- Strong technical foundation: Designed for high throughput and low latency, TON supports fast transactions and scalable smart contracts.
- Integration with messaging apps: Ongoing efforts to link wallets with chat platforms enhance usability.
- Active developer community: Open-source contributions ensure continuous innovation.
- Growing ecosystem: From decentralized storage to name services and DeFi protocols, TON now hosts a diverse range of applications.
Core Keywords
For SEO optimization, the following keywords are naturally integrated throughout this article:
- TON coin price history
- How much was TON at launch
- TON coin original price
- Pavel Durov cryptocurrency
- The Open Network value
- Is TON a good investment
- TON coin early investors
- Blockchain projects 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the original price of TON coin?
TON coin was first sold to private investors in early 2018 at a price of $1.70 per token. This initial sale was part of Telegram’s fundraising effort to develop the blockchain network.
Did TON coin ever drop below its launch price?
Yes. Due to market downturns and regulatory challenges in 2019, the unofficial trading price of TON fell below $1.00—lower than its original $1.70 offering price.
Who created TON cryptocurrency?
TON was created by Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram. Although Telegram later withdrew from direct involvement due to legal issues, the open-source community continued developing The Open Network independently.
Can you still invest in TON today?
Yes. TON coin is now listed on several major cryptocurrency exchanges and is accessible to retail investors. However, as with all digital assets, it carries market risk and should be approached with research and caution.
Why did the SEC block TON’s launch?
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission determined that Telegram’s sale of TON tokens constituted an unregistered securities offering, violating federal law. This led to a court injunction that prevented Telegram from distributing the tokens globally.
Is TON considered a good long-term investment?
Many analysts believe TON has strong long-term potential due to its robust technology and active ecosystem. However, investors should evaluate their risk tolerance and conduct thorough due diligence before investing.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve by exploring next-generation blockchain opportunities now.
Final Thoughts
TON coin began trading at just $1.70 during its initial private sale in 2018—a modest entry point that has since turned into significant gains for early believers. Despite regulatory setbacks and market volatility, the project has demonstrated remarkable resilience through community-driven development and technological innovation.
For anyone exploring promising blockchain projects in 2025, understanding TON’s origins and price evolution offers valuable context. While past performance is never a guarantee of future results, TON stands out as a case study in how vision, timing, and decentralization can shape a crypto asset’s journey.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to digital currencies, keeping an eye on networks like The Open Network could uncover opportunities in the ever-evolving world of Web3 and decentralized finance.