What is Terra Classic? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Terra Classic at a glance.

Terra Classic is the original Terra blockchain, which launched in 2019 on the Cosmos SDK. After the 2022 collapse of its algorithmic stablecoin and the creation of a separate Terra chain, the original network was renamed Terra Classic and its token became LUNC, with development now driven by validators and stakers. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

$845,379

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Terra Classic. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

LUNC

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live LUNC price.

How it works

How Terra Classic works.

Terra Classic uses a Tendermint-style proof-of-stake consensus from the Cosmos stack. Validators are selected by the amount of LUNC staked to them, and holders can delegate LUNC to a validator to take part in securing the chain and earning rewards. Since the project has no central team, protocol upgrades and parameter changes are decided through on-chain governance votes by validators and stakers.

Consensus: Proof of Stake (Tendermint / CometBFT)

Terra Classic uses a Tendermint-style proof-of-stake consensus from the Cosmos stack. Validators are selected by the amount of LUNC staked to them, and holders can delegate LUNC to a validator to take part in securing the chain and earning rewards. Since the project has no central team, protocol upgrades and parameter changes are decided through on-chain governance votes by validators and stakers.

Original Terra chain

Terra Classic is the chain that existed before 2022. After the stablecoin collapse, a separate Terra chain was created and the original was renamed Terra Classic, keeping its history.

Cosmos SDK

The network is built with the Cosmos SDK and Tendermint-style consensus, and it can connect to other Cosmos chains through the inter-blockchain communication protocol.

LUNC token

LUNC is the native token. It pays transaction fees, is staked or delegated to validators, and is used to vote on governance proposals.

Community governance

With no central company, upgrades and parameter changes are proposed and decided through on-chain votes by validators and token holders.

Ecosystem & usage

What Terra Classic is used for.

Terra Classic supports staking, governance, and CosmWasm smart contracts maintained by its validator community.

DefiLlama

Staking and delegation

Holders delegate LUNC to validators to help secure the chain and earn staking rewards.

On-chain governance

LUNC holders vote on proposals that set network parameters and approve protocol upgrades.

Smart contracts

The chain supports CosmWasm smart contracts that developers can deploy for on-chain applications.

Top protocols by TVL · updated Jun 8, 2026

Terraswap · Dexs$336,395

GarudaDefi · Dexs$310,287

Terraport · Dexs$172,782

Eris Protocol · Liquid Staking$15,253

Allbridge Classic · Bridge$10,451

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend LUNC.

Terra Classic is integrated in Zypto App. Hold LUNC in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold LUNC in Zypto How to buy LUNC

Be the reason Terra Classic ships next.

Terra Classic isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

What is Terra Classic?

Terra Classic is the original Terra Layer 1 blockchain, launched in 2019 on the Cosmos SDK. After the 2022 stablecoin collapse and the creation of a separate Terra chain, the original network was renamed Terra Classic with the token LUNC.

What is the difference between Terra Classic and Terra?

Terra Classic is the original chain that kept its full history, with the token LUNC. A separate Terra chain was created in 2022 with its own token. They are independent networks.

What is LUNC used for?

LUNC is the native token of Terra Classic. It pays transaction fees, is staked or delegated to validators, and is used to vote on governance proposals.

Who maintains Terra Classic?

Terra Classic has no central team. Validators and token holders maintain it through on-chain governance, proposing and voting on upgrades and parameter changes.

Can I hold LUNC in Zypto App?

Not yet. LUNC isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Terra Classic using the "Request Terra Classic" button above.

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