Polygon Co-Founder Reopens Debate on Bringing Back the MATIC Ticker

Growing confusion over Polygon’s token identity has prompted project leaders to reconsider a decision made just a year ago. Concerns from everyday users and long-time holders have reopened the discussion about whether the network should drop its current POL ticker and restore MATIC, the name many still recognize.

Market Downtrend Fuels Fresh Discussion on Bringing Back MATIC

Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal rehashed the topic after asking the community on X whether reverting to MATIC should remain an option. He noted that, although he personally supports keeping POL, he still hears that many retail users struggle to find or identify the updated token. He added that small business operators and gig-economy workers who previously held MATIC often do not realize that the asset now trades under a different ticker.

This repeated feedback pushed Nailwal to bring the issue to the public. He emphasized that recognition among casual users remains important, even if core contributors feel comfortable with POL. His post quickly drew mixed reactions from traders, developers, and long-time community members.

Polygon rebranded MATIC to POL on Sept. 4, 2024, presenting the shift as an upgrade to support a broader multisided token model. Under the revised structure, POL collects fees not only from gas and staking but also from tasks such as securing data availability or participating in decentralized sequencing. Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron explained that the change broadened the token’s role beyond what MATIC offered.

POL Slides Below Key Levels as Market Weakness Deepens for Polygon

Even with the rebrand, Polygon has continued to yield to the ongoing market decline. As per latest on-chain data, the coin is trading at $0.13, about 90% below its March 2024 all-time high of $1.29. Technically, the asset is positioned below the 200-day simple moving average, further highlighting its market struggles.

Adding to this technical trend, the coin posted fewer than 12 green days in the last month. Experts believe retail frustration with the token’s new identity may be contributing to its poor standing. 

Polygon Weighs Token Identity Shift as Users Rally Behind MATIC

Community responses to Nailwal’s post reveal a clear divide, with some arguing that tickers matter less than fundamentals. One user suggested that the project should stay focused on development and allow the market to adjust to POL naturally. Another remarked that POL already cleared the difficult early-acceptance stage and that switching back could create additional confusion.

Others countered that MATIC still carries strong brand power among early adopters. They stressed that retail engagement remains crucial and that users who remember MATIC expect to see that ticker when searching for the asset.

We haven’t really seen a new wave of retail entrants into the markets, so going back to Matic might actually be the play here.

Mo Ezeldin

Several recurring arguments sit at the center of the debate:

• MATIC enjoys stronger global recognition than POL.
• Many retail users remain unaware of the rebrand.
• POL offers broader utility but weaker visibility.
• Reverting could reduce confusion during future market growth.
• An alternative ticker, such as PGON, might avoid issues tied to both the old and new symbols.

Some participants also proposed choosing a completely new ticker to signal continuity without fully returning to the past. To them, a new symbol could help Polygon build a modern identity while avoiding the recognition problems POL currently faces.

Nailwal has not committed to any action but mentioned that he remains open to community input. For now, Polygon’s leadership continues to weigh whether stronger brand familiarity should guide the next steps in its token strategy.