NFT contract, wallet address and token ID
An EVM NFT is located by network, contract address and token ID. The owner wallet is a separate account that can change when the token transfers.
Worked example
| Field | Illustrative value | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Ethereum mainnet | Selects the chain state |
| Contract | Collection’s full 0x address | Selects the token ledger |
| Token ID | 42, illustrative only | Selects a token within that ledger |
| Owner | Current holder address | Account associated with ownership |
Build a complete identifier
Token 42 in one contract is different from token 42 in another. The same contract text on a different chain is also a different lookup. Record all three identity fields together when sharing an item.
Ownership can change
For ERC-721, ownerOf(tokenId) reads the current owner for an existing token. ERC-1155 models balances by account and ID instead. Do not use a collection contract as a payment destination or assume a displayed wallet identifies the collection creator.
Common pitfalls
- The token ID is not the contract address.
- 42 is an explanatory integer, not a claim that a token exists in a named collection.
Related references
Primary sources
Examples explain identifiers. They are not investment recommendations.