The story of CryptoFace is one of digital resurrection, historical significance, and creative rebirth. As one of the earliest known NFT projects on the Ethereum blockchain—launched on March 14, 2017, over two years before CryptoPunks gained mainstream traction—CryptoFace stands as a groundbreaking artifact in the evolution of profile picture (PFP) NFTs. Unlike modern generative collections, CryptoFace wasn’t just minted—it was created through an interactive, on-chain experience that allowed users to design their own unique digital identity.
Now, thanks to the discovery by IlluminatiDAO, this long-dormant project has been revived, offering collectors, creators, and crypto historians a rare chance to mint into one of the oldest NFT lineages in existence.
The Origins of a Lost NFT Artifact
In 2017, the world of blockchain was still in its infancy. Smart contracts were new, and the concept of non-fungible tokens had yet to crystallize into what we now know as the NFT revolution. Yet, deep within Ethereum block #3350513, a seed was planted: CryptoFace, a fully functional decentralized application (DApp) that enabled users to generate and mint custom avatars directly onto the blockchain.
For over five years, the contract lay untouched—preserved but forgotten—until Brother Ben of IlluminatiDAO received an anonymous tip pointing to this "pre-Punks" relic. Using Etherscan, he traveled back through the blockchain’s timeline and confirmed the truth: a working PFP generator existed before PFPs were even a trend.
What he found wasn’t just code—it was a vision. A vision where individuals could craft their digital identity freely, without templates or limitations. A vision ahead of its time.
👉 Discover how you can create your own piece of NFT history today.
Why CryptoFace Matters in NFT History
While projects like CryptoPunks are often credited with launching the PFP movement, CryptoFace predates them and introduces a crucial distinction: user-generated creation. Instead of relying on algorithmically generated traits from a fixed pool, CryptoFace allowed users to actively design every aspect of their avatar using an interactive SVG generator.
This makes it not only chronologically significant but conceptually revolutionary. It wasn’t about collecting random traits—it was about self-expression, ownership, and on-chain creativity.
Key historical facts:
- Launched: March 14, 2017
- Blockchain: Ethereum
- Original DApp: Fully functional SVG face generator
- No hard-coded supply cap in original contract
- First known interactive PFP creation tool on Ethereum
Its obscurity for years stemmed from technical limitations: the original DApp became deprecated, and without a frontend, the encoded avatar data remained invisible. The hashes were there—but no one could see the faces.
Until now.
The Resurrection by IlluminatiDAO
Upon verifying the authenticity and functionality of the original smart contract, IlluminatiDAO made a pivotal decision: to honor the project’s legacy by completing what was left unfinished. Their mission was clear—to preserve NFT history, restore access to the DApp, and open minting opportunities in a fair and phased manner.
Importantly, no changes were made to the original contract logic. Every hash, every function call, remains intact. What has been added are compatibility layers ensuring the DApp works with modern wallets and Ethereum standards—nothing more.
Even the quirks of the original generator remain: limited resizing options, trait constraints, and the raw charm of early web3 design. These aren’t bugs—they’re features of authenticity.
Phased Minting: How to Secure Your CryptoFace
To ensure equitable access and community engagement, minting is being rolled out in four distinct phases:
Phase 1: Illuminati NFT Holder Mints
Exclusive to holders of IlluminatiNFT and 187 collections, each asset contains a hidden CryptoFace minting reservation—a digital tomb holding untapped potential. These reservations can be claimed via the official minting portal.
🔍 Note: Any unclaimed reservations from this phase expired at the end of 2022 and were re-released into public circulation.
👉 Learn how to check if your NFT holds a hidden mint opportunity.
Phase 2: Goblin Raffle
A surprise drop for Goblin token holders. One token equals one raffle ticket. Winners receive a direct mint pass—no action required to enter.
Phase 3: Community Donation Mints
A total of 1,000 remaining reservations are being distributed through community campaigns, giveaways, and collaborations. Interested parties can reach out for participation details (original contact email removed per guidelines).
Phase 4: Deep Layer Discovery
Unclaimed or expired reservations become available to those who dig deeper—explorers willing to investigate on-chain data, uncover lost hashes, and interact directly with the revived DApp.
Unlike typical “whitelist” systems, CryptoFace uses minting reservations—a term reflecting the project’s emphasis on discovery, ownership, and creative agency.
How to Mint Your CryptoFace
The process is simple but intentional:
- Visit the official CryptoFace DApp
- Connect your Ethereum wallet
- Use the “Check ID” tool to verify if your linked NFT holds a reservation
- Select your asset and unlock your reserved mint slot
- Enter the PFP Designer, customize your face using the original SVG generator
- Finalize and mint your one-of-a-kind avatar directly to Ethereum
Each mint registers a unique hash on the original 2017 contract—verifiable forever on-chain.
Royalties & Creator Rights
As the original creator of your designed avatar, you’re entitled to ongoing benefits. A dedicated royalty contract ensures that 3% of secondary sales flows back to the original minter.
Here’s how it works:
- When a CryptoFace NFT sells, 3% of the sale goes into the royalty vault
- Upon the next transfer of any CryptoFace token, accumulated royalties are distributed
- This mechanism guarantees passive income for creators while maintaining decentralization
This model respects both artistic contribution and economic fairness—an ethos embedded in web3’s core values.
Preserving Authenticity While Moving Forward
Transparency was paramount during revival. Minor UI optimizations were made for usability:
- Trait names standardized and resized variants labeled as “adjusted”
- Color values interpreted via The ColorAPI for consistency
- Full-avatar resizing disabled to maintain PFP usability across platforms
Two ethical updates were also voted on by the DAO:
- Gender options simplified to silhouette-based Body A / Body B
- Removal of a mustache trait associated with harmful historical symbolism
These changes protect the project’s inclusivity and long-term integrity—without altering its foundational code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is CryptoFace older than CryptoPunks?
A: Yes. While both projects emerged around the same conceptual era, CryptoFace’s smart contract was deployed on March 14, 2017—predating CryptoPunks’ public launch. Its interactive design feature makes it uniquely pioneering.
Q: Can I modify my CryptoFace after minting?
A: No modifications can be made post-mint. The design is permanently stored on-chain via SVG code within the token’s metadata.
Q: Is the original DApp fully functional?
A: Yes. The revived DApp replicates the original experience exactly, including all quirks and creative tools used in 2017.
Q: Are there any supply limits?
A: The original contract has no hard cap, but access is controlled through phased reservations to ensure scarcity and fairness.
Q: How do I verify my minting reservation?
A: Use the official mint page to connect your wallet and check eligible assets. Only wallets holding qualifying NFTs will show active reservations.
Q: Can I sell my minting reservation?
A: Yes—reservations tied to NFTs (like Illuminati assets) can be traded freely on secondary markets.
👉 Start your journey into NFT history—mint your CryptoFace today.
Final Thoughts: Rewriting History, One Face at a Time
CryptoFace isn’t just another NFT drop—it’s a rediscovered chapter in digital ownership. It represents a moment when identity met innovation on-chain, long before most knew such a thing was possible.
For collectors, it's a rare opportunity to own a foundational artifact. For creators, it's a tribute to self-directed expression. And for historians, it's proof that innovation often hides in plain sight—waiting for someone to look closely enough to see it.
Core Keywords: CryptoFace, NFT history, Ethereum NFT, PFP generator, on-chain identity, minting reservation, IlluminatiDAO, interactive NFT