VanEck, a New York-based asset manager, has launched its first NFT collection.
It will be made up of 1,000 Ethereum-based NFTs that will be led by “Hammy,” a metaversal (and somewhat noir) version of Alexander Hamilton. Holders of NFTs will accompany Hammy through the past, present, and future of monetary policy. (NFTs are tokens that represent ownership of digital assets.)
In a statement issued this morning, VanEck said that the functionality of the NFTs is the collection’s key selling feature. NFT holders will get exclusive access to VanEck’s digital asset research as well as invitations to in-person and online events.
“We’ve designed the VanEck Community NFT to function like a digital membership card,” co-founder Matthew Bartlett said. All NFT owners will have access to a diverse network of digital asset enthusiasts and investors.
Rare NFTs (approximately 230) will be given more unique benefits than typical NFTs (750 NFTs).
VanEck is so committed to using these NFTs to foster community that it has attempted to prohibit their sale as securities. According to VanEck’s NFT website disclaimer, they “have no value and are not intended to have any value.” If you wish to sell or transfer an NFT, please notify VanEck.
The firm’s emphasis on utility and entertainment over speculative investment potential comes as many people look beyond NFTs’ well-publicized status symbol function to their long-term relevance as community-building tools.
The SEC rejected VanEck’s attempt to create the first Bitcoin spot ETF last year. It launched its SEC-approved Bitcoin futures ETF in mid-November.
