In the fast-paced world of crypto, where memecoins like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu often steal the spotlight with their viral hype, some gems fly under the radar and deliver massive returns. That's exactly what happened with Telegram's anonymous numbers—virtual phone numbers tokenized as NFTs on the TON blockchain. A recent tweet from crypto analyst @0xngmi highlights how these assets have skyrocketed 157x in value since their initial sale two years ago, reaching a whopping $2 billion market cap. This positions them as the second-largest NFT collection by market cap, just behind the legendary CryptoPunks, and they've outperformed nearly every other NFT and most memecoins out there.

The chart in the original tweet paints a clear picture: starting from a low base in early 2023, the price climbed steadily before exploding upward in 2024 and 2025, peaking around 2,800 (likely in USD) before a minor dip. But the big question from the tweet lingers: "did everyone just miss this?"

Understanding Telegram's Anonymous Numbers

If you're scratching your head wondering what these are, let's break it down simply. Anonymous numbers are essentially digital phone numbers (+888 prefixes) that let you create Telegram accounts without linking them to a real SIM card. They're sold as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the TON blockchain through Telegram's own platform called Fragment. Launched in late 2022, they started at about $16 each, making them accessible for anyone prioritizing privacy.

Unlike many NFTs that are just digital art or collectibles with no real use, these have built-in utility. They enhance anonymity on Telegram, a messaging app with over 900 million users, by allowing sign-ups without exposing your personal phone number. This is huge for privacy-conscious folks in crypto, where data security is paramount. The TON blockchain (short for The Open Network, originally built by Telegram) ensures ownership is secure and transferable, just like any other NFT.

Why the Massive Gains?

So, how did these quiet performers crush the competition? Several factors align perfectly:

• Real-World Utility Drives Demand: As one reply to the tweet notes, these are "genuine utility NFTs." People buy them not just to flip, but to actually use for anonymous Telegram accounts. This steady, organic demand contrasts with memecoins, which often rely on short-lived pumps fueled by social media buzz.

• Scarcity and Ecosystem Growth: With around 137,000 numbers in circulation, supply is limited. As Telegram integrates more with blockchain (like its TON wallet features), adoption surges, pushing prices up. The broader TON ecosystem has boomed, benefiting associated assets.

• Overlooked by Crypto Twitter: The tweet points out that "CT" (Crypto Twitter) often chases flashy trends like new memecoins or hyped NFTs. Replies echo this—users mentioned buying them cheaply in 2023 for personal use, while others admitted never hearing about them. One commenter joked about the demographic being older whales, not the typical young memecoin degens.

Compared to memecoins, which can 10x overnight but crash just as fast, anonymous numbers show sustainable growth. They've outpaced most NFTs (many of which have tanked since the 2021 bull run) and even top memecoins in long-term returns.

Community Buzz and Reactions

The tweet sparked lively discussions. Some users lamented missing out, with one recalling OTC deals for as low as $30 back in the day. Others, like Curve founder Michael Egorov, praised their utility. A few highlighted the irony: while speculators hoarded, these were meant as a privacy tool, not a get-rich-quick scheme. Overall, the consensus? Crypto often overlooks practical innovations in favor of memes.

What This Means for Memecoin Enthusiasts

At Meme Insider, we're all about decoding the wild world of meme tokens, but stories like this remind us that utility can be a game-changer. Memecoins thrive on community and virality, but blending that with real functionality—like privacy tools on blockchain—could be the next evolution. If you're diving into TON-based projects or seeking alternatives to pure speculation, anonymous numbers might warrant a look. Just remember, as with any crypto investment, do your own research (DYOR) and consider the risks.

For more on how NFTs and memecoins intersect in the blockchain space, check out our knowledge base at meme-insider.com. What's your take—did you snag any anonymous numbers early, or is this news to you too?