Definition

What Are Prepunk ENS Domains?

Definition

PrePunk ENS domains are Ethereum Name Service domains that were registered during the initial ENS auction period from May 9, 2017, to June 23, 2017. These domains are distinguished by being registered before the launch of CryptoPunks (also on June 23, 2017), one of the most iconic and influential NFT collections in cryptocurrency history.

The term "PrePunk" refers specifically to this chronological distinction - these domains predate the "Punk" era that was inaugurated by CryptoPunks and subsequently influenced much of the NFT ecosystem.

Key Attributes

PrePunk domains are defined by several key attributes:

1. Registration Date: Any ENS domain with a registration timestamp (finalizeAuction) between May 9, 2017, and June 23, 2017, qualifies as a PrePunk.

2. Registration Method: All PrePunk domains were registered through the original Vickrey auction system.

3. Registry Position: PrePunk domains occupy the first ~80,000 positions in the preimages (specifically rows 1-79,720).

4. Technical Signature: Each PrePunk domain has a corresponding transaction record and timestamp on the Ethereum blockchain that verifies its origin during this specific time period.

Current Status

Today, PrePunk domains are recognized as significant blockchain artifacts with historical value. Their special status comes from their timestamp and provenance rather than any technical difference in functionality compared to later ENS domains.

Many PrePunk domains remain active and in use, while others exist primarily as historical collectibles or investments. Due to their limited supply and historical significance, certain PrePunk domains may carry additional value beyond standard ENS domains registered in later periods.

What Makes a Domain a "Prepunk"?

A "Prepunk" ENS domain is defined by its registration date during a specific, very early period in the Ethereum Name Service's history.

The Defining Timeframe:

To qualify as a Prepunk, an ENS domain must have been successfully registered and finalized between:

• Start Date: May 9th, 2017 (Epoch Timestamp approx. 1494328939)

• End Date: June 23rd, 2017 (Epoch Timestamp approx. 1498252062)

Note: Timestamps can vary slightly depending on the source, but this range is the commonly accepted window. Epoch time refers to the number of seconds that have elapsed since January 1, 1970 (UTC).

Why "Prepunk"?

The name originates from the fact that this registration period predates the launch of the iconic CryptoPunks NFT collection (launched June 23rd, 2017). This timing places Prepunks among the earliest non-fungible digital assets on the Ethereum blockchain, giving them significant historical relevance.

Key Characteristics:

• Historical Significance: They represent the first wave of user adoption for ENS, a foundational piece of web3 infrastructure.

• Limited Supply: Only names registered within this specific ~45-day window qualify. Based on historical data analysis (like Makoto Inoue's original Dune query), there are 79,720 such domains.

• Auction Origin: All Prepunks originated from the initial Vickrey auction system used by ENS.

• Rankable: Because they stem from the initial, ordered registration process, Prepunks have an inherent ranking based on their registration time (or row_number in databases), adding a layer of rarity.

Essentially, a Prepunk is more than just an ENS name; it's a timestamped artifact from the dawn of the user-friendly decentralized web on Ethereum.