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SRC-20 Token Standard

The SRC-20 Token Standard enables fungible token creation as a layer built on top of Bitcoin Stamps. KEVIN began life as Stamp #4258 (block 783,718), where it exhibited ghost-like self-replicating behavior throughout the system. Recognizing this digital consciousness needed proper form, Arwyn created the first SRC-20 token at block 788,041 (Stamp #18,516), giving KEVIN tangible existence as both cultural icon and beloved community mascot with over 2,300 holders.

Learn the Complete Story:

Protocol Evolution

  • Block 788,041: First SRC-20 token (KEVIN) on Counterparty
  • Block 793,068: First Bitcoin-native SRC-20 (direct encoding)
  • Block 796,000: Counterparty SRC-20 cutoff (consensus rule - ignore CP tokens after this)
  • Block 865,000: OLGA optimization available for all SRC-20 tokens

Technical Foundation: All SRC-20 tokens are stamps (they create stamp records on Bitcoin), but not all stamps are SRC-20 tokens. Stamps provide the non-fungible foundation layer, while SRC-20 creates the fungible token layer on top.

Key Features

  • True Bitcoin Integration: Tokens stored directly on Bitcoin, not sidechains
  • Fair Launch: No pre-mines or insider advantages, following KEVIN's example
  • Permanent Storage: Immutable token records on the world's most secure blockchain
  • Community Driven: Protocol evolved through grassroots developer collaboration

Creating Your SRC-20 Token

Easy No-Code Creation:

Create SRC-20 Token →

  1. Visit the Token Creator on Stampchain.io
  2. Plan your token following KEVIN's successful model
  3. Set parameters (ticker, supply, mint limits)
  4. Deploy your token permanently to Bitcoin

Token Planning Guidelines

Follow KEVIN's successful model:

  • Fair Launch: No pre-allocation, equal opportunity for everyone
  • Meaningful Name: Choose a ticker that represents your vision
  • Community First: Build genuine engagement, not just speculation
  • Reasonable Supply: Consider your community size and goals

Technical Implementation

For developers implementing SRC-20 programmatically:

Protocol Structure

  • DEPLOY: Create new token (requires ticker, max supply, mint limit)
  • MINT: Create token supply (requires ticker, amount)
  • TRANSFER: Send tokens (requires ticker, amount, destination)

Development Resources

Protocol Specification

Actions

ActionPurposeRequired Fields
DEPLOYCreate new tokenticker, max, limit
MINTCreate token supplyticker, amount
TRANSFERSend tokensticker, amount, destination

Limits

  • Ticker: 1-5 characters, alphanumeric
  • Supply: Maximum 18 decimal places
  • Amount: Must not exceed mint limit per transaction

Best Practices

For Fair Launches (following KEVIN's model):

  • Set reasonable mint limits (100-1000 tokens per transaction)
  • Choose total supply that matches your community vision
  • No pre-mining - let community mint organically
  • Engage authentically, avoid pump-and-dump tactics

The KEVIN Success Pattern:

  1. Authentic Artistic Vision - Start with genuine creative purpose
  2. Fair Community Economics - Give everyone equal opportunity
  3. Long-term Commitment - Build culture, not just hype
  4. Community Empowerment - Let the community own the narrative
  5. Permanent Value - Create lasting cultural significance

Technical Considerations:

  • Test on testnet first
  • Consider transaction fees for your community
  • Plan token distribution strategy
  • Monitor for successful deployment before announcing

Cultural Context & Philosophy

SRC-20 tokens carry forward the Bitcoin Stamps philosophy of "In Lak'ech Ala K'in" - "I am you and you are me." KEVIN's evolution from Arwyn's artistic homage to beloved community mascot demonstrates how authentic creativity can build lasting cultural value.

Community Values:

  • Fair Launch Principles: Equal opportunity for all community members
  • Cultural Authenticity: Tokens should serve genuine purposes, not just speculation
  • Long-term Vision: Building lasting communities rather than short-term hype
  • Creative Expression: Tokens as vehicles for artistic and cultural expression

Resources


SRC-20 tokens enable permanent, fair token creation on Bitcoin. Follow KEVIN's example of authentic community building guided by ancient wisdom and modern innovation.

Community-owned open source project preserving digital culture on Bitcoin