A Beginner's Guide to NFTs on the XRP Ledger
Everything you need to understand the XRPL, why it works well for NFTs, and how Moon Lambos calls it home.
What is the XRP Ledger?
The XRP Ledger — often shortened to XRPL — is a decentralized, open-source blockchain built for fast, low-cost digital payments. In 2011, engineers David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto began developing it to improve on Bitcoin's limitations, with the goal of creating a more sustainable digital asset built specifically for payments. The ledger went live in 2012, and while the company Ripple later formed to support the ecosystem, the XRPL itself operates independently.
Unlike general-purpose blockchains that rely on smart contracts for every transaction, XRPL has key features built directly into its protocol. That means token transfers, currency exchanges, and NFT ownership can happen faster, with less complexity, and for a tiny fraction of the cost.
What makes XRPL good for NFTs?
NFTs on the XRP Ledger benefit from the same design philosophy that makes XRPL attractive for payments: speed, efficiency, and low fees.
- Fast transactions. XRPL settles in about 3–5 seconds. No waiting for block confirmations.
- Very low fees. Typical NFT mints and transfers cost fractions of a cent, making it practical for creators and collectors.
- Eco-friendly. XRPL uses a consensus protocol rather than proof-of-work, so minting and trading NFTs use a tiny amount of energy.
- Native token standards. XRPL NFTs are built directly into the ledger, so wallets and marketplaces can support them without custom smart contracts.
XRPL vs Solana for NFTs
Solana is the most popular blockchain for NFTs today, known for fast transactions and a thriving ecosystem of marketplaces and creators. However, that popularity can mean network congestion, occasional downtime, and fee spikes during high-demand periods.
XRPL takes a different approach. It prioritizes speed, reliability, and affordability at the protocol level, which is ideal for projects that want collecting to feel simple and accessible. You don't need deep technical knowledge or a large wallet to mint, trade, or own a Moon Lambo.
How do XRPL NFTs work?
On the XRP Ledger, an NFT is represented as a unique token object. The creator mints it, sets metadata such as royalties, and the ledger tracks ownership and transaction history transparently. Most collectors use wallets like Xaman or marketplaces like XRP.cafe to view, buy, and sell their NFTs.
When you buy a Moon Lambo, the NFT is transferred to your XRPL wallet. You can hold it, list it, or simply enjoy the artwork — the same way you would with any digital collectible.
Why Moon Lambos chose XRPL
Moon Lambos is a collection of 111 individually created digital collectibles. We wanted the collecting experience to be straightforward, affordable, and environmentally sensible — so building on XRPL was an easy choice.
New holders can join the project without worrying about high gas fees or complicated wallet setups. The art lives on the ledger, and the community grows around it.
Ready to start collecting?
Now that you know the basics, explore the Moon Lambos Genesis collection and find a Moon Lambo that matches your style.