Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about sealed collectibles, Initial Box Offerings, allocation and physical redemption on Archive.
Archive and Ownership
What is Archive?
Archive lets collectors own and collect shares in physical sealed collectibles. Archive handles sourcing, authentication, custody, insurance and logistics. Physical redemption is available when you hold a full box; secondary trading is coming to the Archive Exchange.
What does one share represent?
One share represents one-thousandth of a physical sealed box. Your portfolio shows how many of that box’s 1,000 shares you hold.
How are sealed collectibles checked?
Purchased collectibles are inspected for physical condition and authenticity across Archive’s vendor authentication network. Only approved inventory enters Archive custody.
Where are the collectibles stored?
Approved inventory is insured and held in a climate-controlled, weather-protected and 24/7 monitored facility.
IBOs and Allocation
What is an IBO?
An Initial Box Offering (IBO) is how a sealed collectible first becomes available on Archive. Each physical box is divided into 1,000 shares. You can pledge from US$1 for a chance to receive an allocation.
What happens when I pledge in an IBO?
Your pledge is a request, not a purchase. The pledged amount is held while allocations are finalised. You are charged only for the shares allocated to you.
What if I receive fewer shares than I requested—or none?
Any unfilled portion of your pledge is refunded to your available Archive balance after allocations are finalised. If you receive no shares, the full pledged amount is refunded.
How is the IBO price set?
Archive purchases sealed collectibles in bulk. Where Archive secures a procurement advantage, cost savings are passed on to IBO participants. The IBO price is shown before you pledge.
Reference prices are based on listings from traditional digital marketplaces. They exclude marketplace commissions and fees, shipping, taxes and import duties. A reference price is a comparison point, not the total cost of acquiring a box.
What payment methods are available?
The currently supported deposit method is USDC on Arbitrum One. Bank transfer and card deposits are paused. Check the Archive app for the method available when you fund your account.
Exchange and Redemption
Can I trade my shares?
The Archive Exchange is the planned secondary market for shares after an IBO settles. Detailed trading mechanics are coming soon.
Can I redeem the physical box?
Yes. You can request physical redemption at any time once you hold all 1,000 of 1,000 shares in that box. Partial holdings cannot be redeemed.
What does physical redemption cost?
A 3% redemption fee applies to the value of the boxes you redeem. Archive also holds one US$50 refundable shipping deposit per shipment, not per box. Any unused amount is refunded to your available balance once the shipment is on its way. Import duties, customs charges and local taxes are your responsibility.