> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theblockchainlibrary.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# EIP-721: Non-Fungible Token Standard

> EIP-721 introduced the standard for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum, providing a programmatic way to track ownership of unique, distinct assets. Unlike f

# EIP-721: Non-Fungible Token Standard

EIP-721 introduced the standard for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum, providing a programmatic way to track ownership of unique, distinct assets. Unlike f

## Abstract

EIP-721 introduced the standard for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum, providing a programmatic way to track ownership of unique, distinct assets. Unlike fungible tokens (ERC-20), each ERC-721 token has a unique identifier, allowing for the representation of digital art, collectibles, real-world assets, and in-game items. The standard defines how to transfer tokens, check ownership, and manage metadata associated with these unique assets. By providing a common framework, EIP-721 laid the foundation for the NFT market, enabling the verifiable scarcity and provenance of digital items. Its adoption transformed how ownership and digital content are managed on-chain, proving the viability of blockchain for identity and creative industries.

**Authors:** William Entriken, Dieter Shirley, Jacob Evans, Nastassia Sachs

**Publication:** Ethereum Improvement Proposals

**Publication date:** 2018-01-01

## Key findings

* Introduced a standard interface for non-fungible, unique tokens.
* Enabled tracking of distinct assets with persistent on-chain identity.
* Supported the integration of metadata for unique asset representation.
* Facilitated the growth of digital collectibles and ownership markets.

## Citation

William Entriken, Dieter Shirley, Jacob Evans, Nastassia Sachs (2018). EIP-721: Non-Fungible Token Standard. Ethereum Improvement Proposals. [https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-721](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-721)

## Related knowledge

* [ERC-721](/generated/v2/glossary/erc-721) — glossary
* [ERC-721](/generated/v2/glossary/erc-721) — related-glossary
* [From Speculation to Infrastructure: How Crypto Finally Grew Up](/generated/v2/topics/from-speculation-to-infrastructure-how-crypto-finally-grew-up) — article
* [From Speculation to Infrastructure: How Crypto Finally Grew Up](/generated/v2/topics/from-speculation-to-infrastructure-how-crypto-finally-grew-up) — related-article
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* [Memecoins vs. Utility Tokens: Which Crypto Trend Will Dominate in 2025?](/generated/v2/topics/memecoins-vs-utility-tokens-which-crypto-trend-will-dominate-in-2025) — article
* [Memecoins vs. Utility Tokens: Which Crypto Trend Will Dominate in 2025?](/generated/v2/topics/memecoins-vs-utility-tokens-which-crypto-trend-will-dominate-in-2025) — related-article
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* [The Future of Decentralized Identity: A Web3 Revolution in Data Ownership](/generated/v2/topics/the-future-of-decentralized-identity-a-web3-revolution-in-data-ownership) — article
* [The Future of Decentralized Identity: A Web3 Revolution in Data Ownership](/generated/v2/topics/the-future-of-decentralized-identity-a-web3-revolution-in-data-ownership) — related-article

***

**Canonical knowledge ID:** `research:eip-721-non-fungible-token-standard`