The Complete Guide to Collecting NFTs
Everything you need to go from curious newcomer to confident collector on Monserat — the marketplace built for creators and collectors alike. Prefer the short version? Skip ahead to buying your first NFT.

What Is an NFT?
An NFT, or non-fungible token, is a unique digital asset recorded on a blockchain. Unlike a screenshot, the on-chain token proves you hold the original — with a transparent ownership history anyone can verify.
Ownership on-chain is public and permanent. Once a transfer is confirmed, it can never be quietly rewritten.
That single property is what turns a plain image into a collectible.
Verifiable Ownership
Every Monserat item carries provable provenance, so collectors always know an asset is authentic and who held it before. Anyone can audit a token’s full history with a single tokenId lookup.
Rarity and Traits
Items are defined by trait sets, and rarer combinations command higher value. A few things drive rarity:
- Trait scarcity — how few items share a given attribute
- Creator reputation — verified artists hold value better
- Look for the
unverified verified checkmark - Cross-check the contract address before you buy
- Utility — some tokens unlock
airdrops, events, or gated content
How Monserat Works
Getting started takes only a few minutes once your wallet is connected.
- Connect a compatible Web3 wallet
- Browse featured drops and trending collections
- Buy instantly or place a bid
- Manage everything from your portfolio dashboard
Supported Networks
| Network | Avg. Gas | Settlement | Max Royalties |
|---|
| Ethereum | High | ~15s | 10% |
| Polygon | Low | ~2s | 10% |
| Base | Low | ~2s | 8% |
Buying Your First NFT
You can buy instantly at a fixed price or compete in a live auction. Connecting a wallet programmatically looks like this:
const wallet = await connect({ chain: "ethereum" });
const order = await monserat.buy(tokenId, { maxPrice: "1.5" });
console.log(`Now owned by ${order.buyer}`);
Placing a Bid
Set your maximum bid and let the marketplace handle the rest until the auction closes.
Before You Confirm
Run through this quick checklist so nothing catches you off guard.
Check Your Balance
Cover both the bid and the network fee — gas is charged even on losing bids.
Set a Ceiling
Auctions move fast, so decide your absolute maximum in advance and stick to it.
Selling and Royalties
List any item you own for a fixed price or an auction, and earn ongoing royalties on every secondary sale. Ready to start? Head to the FAQ for the details.