What is NodeMonkes? The OG Ordinals PFP Collection on Bitcoin
Aug 14, 2025
NodeMonkes is the first 10,000-piece Profile Picture (PFP) collection fully inscribed on Bitcoin, making it a historic and iconic project in the Ordinals ecosystem. Known for its pixel art aesthetic, early inscription timestamp, and vibrant community, NodeMonkes is often referred to as the CryptoPunks of Bitcoin.
In this guide, we’ll cover the origins of NodeMonkes, their art style, why they’re so sought-after, and how to borrow BTC against your NodeMonke using Liquidium.
TL;DR
NodeMonkes is a 10K Ordinals PFP collection fully inscribed on Bitcoin.
Inscribed in February 2023, right after the launch of the Ordinals protocol.
Supported on Liquidium.wtf for Bitcoin-native lending.
History and Concept Behind NodeMonkes
NodeMonkes was created by an anonymous duo with no roadmap, no VC funding, and no fluff—just pure inscriptions and pixelated monkey avatars. What they lacked in promises, they made up for in hype and community energy.
The NodeMonkes art consists of vaguely squashed-looking color blocks that combine to form pixelated monkeys with various traits. Rendered in a pixelated 16x16 format, this lo-fi style has become instantly recognizable within the Bitcoin ecosystem. The collection includes several references to CryptoPunk aliens, which are fan favorites among collectors and drive additional value.
Collectors can explore their holdings through the official Monkedex, which sorts the collection by rarity and highlights unique trait combos.
Inscription Timing and the Debate on ‘First’
The inscriptions for NodeMonkes fall within the #80,000 to #110,000 range, making them some of the earliest large-scale Ordinals projects. These early satoshis are especially prized in the Ordinals world for their historic and technical value.
NodeMonkes claims to be the first 10K Ordinals collection, a title also disputed by Bitcoin Frogs. Bitcoin Frogs launched in March 2023, whereas NodeMonkes officially launched in December. However, NodeMonkes inscribed their collection in February 2023, which is typically considered the defining factor by Ordinals purists.
In the Ordinals ecosystem, inscription date matters more than mint date. This timeline favors NodeMonkes, making it widely accepted as the first fully inscribed 10K PFP set on Bitcoin Layer 1.
The First 10K Ordinals Collection
NodeMonkes was inscribed in early February 2023, just days after Casey Rodarmor launched the Ordinals protocol. The team behind NodeMonkes aimed to capture the spirit of early NFT projects, like CryptoPunks, by deploying a complete 10K set with no pre-sale, no mint passes, and no shortcuts.
While many collections claim to be first in some regard, NodeMonkes holds the distinction of being:
The first full 10K PFP project completed on Bitcoin
Entirely inscribed using Bitcoin Layer 1, without wrapping or off-chain dependencies
This makes NodeMonkes one of the purest expressions of the Ordinals vision.
Community, and Significance
NodeMonkes were inscribed between inscription IDs #80,000 to #110,000, placing them at the forefront of Ordinals history. This period was marked by low transaction fees, relatively open Bitcoin block space, and minimal mainstream awareness of the Ordinals protocol.
The foresight to execute a full 10K mint during this brief window cemented NodeMonkes as a true OG in the Bitcoin NFT space.
Although some debate the title of “first 10K Ordinals collection” between NodeMonkes and Bitcoin Frogs, most of the community acknowledges NodeMonkes’ earlier inscription date in February 2023 as the defining metric. This early action is part of what gives the collection its strong narrative and historical relevance.
Beyond technical firsts, NodeMonkes exemplifies Bitcoin-native values—no venture capital, no speculative tokens, and no overhyped roadmap. Just pure inscriptions, pixel art, and verifiable on-chain provenance.
Their rise wasn’t just about minting first. NodeMonkes built and sustained one of the most engaged communities in the Ordinals space.
The collection’s Discord and X (formerly Twitter) feeds are filled with trait-sniping threads, philosophical debates about early inscription theory, and countless pixel-art remixes. The slogan “Send Nodes” has become a rallying cry.
Thanks to this momentum, NodeMonkes consistently ranks among the top three Ordinals collections by trading volume. It boasts strong secondary sales on Magic Eden, growing recognition across the crypto world, and multiple six-figure sales of rare Monkes.
Its success is both technical and cultural—setting a standard for what a Bitcoin-native PFP project can achieve.
Use NodeMonkes as Collateral on Liquidium
Already own a NodeMonke? Use it to borrow Bitcoin without selling your NFT.
Liquidium.wtf allows you to lock up top Ordinals collections like NodeMonkes as collateral for instant BTC loans.
How It Works:
Change to Instant Mode and connect your wallet (Xverse, Unisat, OKX, etc.)
Go to the “Borrow” section
Select your NodeMonke from supported collections
Accept a Loan Offer
Liquidium features pre-funded, collection-based offers. Accept one to receive BTC instantly.Repay and Reclaim
Return the borrowed BTC plus interest before the loan expires to reclaim your OMB. If you don’t, the lender receives your NFT.
This feature is perfect for holders who want liquidity but aren’t willing to part with their historic Monkes.
NodeMonkes are more than just pixels. They’re part of Bitcoin history.
Connect your wallet to Liquidium and use your NodeMonke to unlock Bitcoin today.
FAQ: NodeMonkes on Bitcoin
Q: What is NodeMonkes?
A: NodeMonkes is the first 10K fully-inscribed PFP collection on Bitcoin Ordinals.
Q: When were NodeMonkes inscribed?
A: February 2023, shortly after the launch of the Ordinals protocol.
Q: What makes them special?
A: Historic timing, full on-chain 10K size, and pixel-art homage to early NFTs.
Q: Can I borrow BTC using NodeMonkes?
A: Yes. NodeMonkes are supported collateral on Liquidium.wtf.
Q: Are NodeMonkes affiliated with Ethereum or Solana?
A: No. They are purely native to Bitcoin Layer 1.