What does it mean to ‘Mint’ an NFT?

Minting usually refers to the process of uniquely publishing a digital artwork or collectible on the blockchain for the first time, making it purchasable.

Technically, the minting of an NFT does not have to occur when it is listed for sale for the first time.

Because of the fees involved in minting, artists often use a process called ‘Lazy Minting’.

When an artwork is listed for sale using this method, it is not actually minted until it is purchased. The buyer then pays the associated ‘GAS’ fee for minting it to their own wallet.