Every Nobunaga prize is paid in USDC. Here's what it is and why we chose it.
What Is USDC?
USDC (USD Coin) is a stablecoin — a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar. One USDC is always worth one US dollar. It's issued by Circle, a regulated financial company, and backed by real cash and short-term US Treasury bonds held in audited bank accounts.
Why Not Bitcoin or SOL?
- Stability: A 10 USDC prize is worth $10 today and $10 next week. Bitcoin might be worth 20% more or less.
- Simplicity: Everyone understands dollars. No mental math needed.
- Low friction: USDC on Solana has near-zero transfer fees, making small prizes viable.
How to Check USDC Is Real
Anyone can verify a USDC balance on-chain:
- Get the wallet address from Clue A
- Go to solscan.io
- Paste the address
- Look for "USDC" in the token list — you'll see the exact balance
This transparency is what makes crypto treasure hunts trustworthy. The prize exists, and you can see it before you start hunting.
USDC vs USDT
Both are dollar stablecoins, but USDC is fully audited and backed 1:1 by cash reserves. USDT (Tether) has faced scrutiny over its reserve composition. We chose USDC for maximum transparency.
USDC is the "boring" crypto — and that's exactly why it's perfect for prizes. No volatility, no drama, just money.