Definition
Auctions are live events that allow individuals to acquire items using a bidding mechanism.
Understanding the term
In crypto auctions, smart contracts are used to match and connect buyers and sellers. Smart contracts, along with consensus mechanisms, encryption, and other blockchain technologies, allow actions to be conducted without human intervention.
Depending on the type of auction, the smart contract will execute the auction, replacing the need for an auctioneer or site for auctions.
Sellers create smart contracts that explain in detail what is being auctioned, how long it will last, and the minimum price they will accept as a bid. The contract executes its smart contract when an oracle (an entity connecting blockchain with off-chain data) provides the contract with data that the bidding period has ended. There are plenty of auction houses and platforms which conduct e-auctions, such as Christie’s dealing with NFT art auctions.
In a Bitcoin (BTC) auction, BTC is sold at a price that is lower than the market. This includes forfeited assets from administrative, federal, or civil cases. Before participating in an offer, the investor must register and place a winning bid. The winning bidder needs to possess a digital wallet to claim the asset, use specified payment methods within a certain timeframe, and bear the transaction costs.
Each auction’s data is stored on the blockchain, and any updates are authenticated with a digital signature that is broadcast to the public blockchain for backup.
Takeaway
With the changing scenarios of auctions, bidders can now bid on cryptocurrencies and NFTs in blockchain-based e-auctions. Such auctions present amazing investment opportunities, held by prominent marketplaces. The data for each auction is recorded on the blockchain and protected by a cryptographic digital signature to prevent malicious activities.