What is 1863nft?
The world’s first state-themed NFT project, 1863nft, is a tribute to all things West Virginia. West Virginia became a state in 1863, which is the project’s namesake. The project’s alpha mint size of 304 tokens is a reference to West Virginia’s dominant area code, and the price of $55 is based on the state’s total number of counties.
The goal of the project is to showcase the talents of five West Virginia-based artists and inspire droves of Mountaineers to jump into the Web3 game.
The founders want to generate an outstanding NFT series with some of the Mountain State’s most renowned artists, as well as raise money for several WV-based arts and technology education charities. 1863nft benefits the state’s residents as well as community members.
To highlight the remarkable skills of Mountain State’s creative community, 1863nft works alongside artists and entrepreneurs from West Virginia. In a fun and original way, their Alpha mint promotes a positive, optimistic tale by featuring some of our favorite elements of the state.
The project piques interest among West Virginians and encourages everyone, from all walks of life, to embrace innovation, change, and new technologies to realize their full potential. They aspire to entice West Virginians to become pioneers and leaders in the fast-paced Web3 sector.
About the Project and Founders
Michael “Moose” Malfregeot, Jeff Noah, Rob Raffety, and Jason “Stew” Wilhelm are the four Gen-X West Virginia Wesleyan College fraternity brothers who came together around their mutual interest in blockchain technology (a fearsome quartet affectionately known as “The Buy Guys”).
Noah, Raff, and Stew started a no-frills YouTube channel called Buy Guys Crypto Show (Moose joined the effort for Season Two) in the spring of 2021. Just a group of Gen-X guys hanging out, shooting the MoonBull, and learning about crypto together around a shared interest.
The Buy Guys don’t take themselves too seriously, unlike many more serious blockchain analysts on the internet. Instead, they each bring their own set of values to the discussion. They’re in it to educate, compete, and, as their slogan implies, “You gotta buy to fly, baby!” The Buy Guys want to have fun!
Anyone who’s ever spent time in West Virginia will tell you that Mountain State is unlike anywhere else. The decision was clear – the Buy Guys needed to build a project to honor the most important state in the Union – West Virginia! – since the four founders met in West Virginia (Moose and Jeff still live there). As a result, the dominant area code is honored in their first Alpha mint of 304 coins, which was released by newcomers.
West Virginia is home to a large number of outstanding artists and craftsmen of all kinds, as well as artwork. It was merely a question of locating them and bringing the greatest collaborators together. As evidenced on their website, they also include artwork by other West Virginia artists.
What 1863nft Stands For?
1863nft stands out from the crowd of NFT projects in a few ways. Another silly PFP, another cookie-cutter generative art project, or an uninspired cash grab from unknown creators.
Currently, the founders have not decided which blockchain to use. Although Ethereum is popular, they are considering choosing between Solana, Tazos, and Cordana for affordability.
1863nft is a modern, informative look at the process of creating and launching an NFT project. Yet 1863nft is ready to overturn outdated ideas about the Mountain State and the wider Appalachian area, even though few of us could ever imagine saying “West Virginia” and “trendsetter” in the same breath.
