NFT collection vs individual token identifiers
A collection groups related NFTs. An individual ERC-721 token is identified within a contract by its token ID; a marketplace collection name is not a complete on-chain identifier.
Worked example
| Object | Identifier | Example annotation |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace collection | Platform slug/grouping | Can be renamed or grouped |
| Token contract | Chain + contract address | On-chain ledger |
| Individual ERC-721 token | Chain + contract + ID | One token in that ledger |
Grouping and ledger are different
A marketplace may organize related assets under a common presentation. The on-chain identity remains the network, contract and ID. Two item pages with the same artwork or title may point to different ledgers.
Worked comparison
An original NFT and a wrapped version can share artwork and a recognizable token number. Their contracts differ. Compare the complete identifiers before treating them as the same representation; a marketplace name alone cannot resolve the distinction.
Common pitfalls
- Do not use a collection slug as a contract address.
- An ID is only unique within its ledger and network context.
Related references
Primary sources
Examples explain identifiers. They are not investment recommendations.