Field manual 15 · Hermes Legion University
Solana Token Authorities
Authority is capability—not necessarily intent
Understand Solana mint authority, freeze authority, metadata controls, delegates, and Token-2022 extensions when researching a meme coin.
Short answer
Solana token authorities define specific technical capabilities. Mint authority can create new units, freeze authority can restrict token accounts, and metadata or Token-2022 controls may change how the asset behaves. Identify the token program, inspect every active authority and extension, and combine those findings with supply, holder, and liquidity analysis.
Mint authority controls new supply
Solana token documentation describes mint authority as the role able to create additional token units. If that authority remains active, the technical capability exists even when a project says it will not be used. Verify the current authority onchain and distinguish a revoked authority from one controlled by a wallet or program.
Freeze and delegate roles affect accounts
Freeze authority can restrict token-account activity under the relevant token program. Token accounts may also have delegates with limited transfer or burn permissions. Token-2022 introduces additional extensions and controls. Identify the token program first, then inspect every authority and extension supported by the mint.
Revoked authority is one signal, not a verdict
Removing mint or freeze authority can reduce specific technical risks, but it does not fix concentrated supply, thin liquidity, linked wallets, misleading promotion, or creator selling. Treat authority status as one line in a broader review and record unknown fields rather than converting them into a safety claim.
Practical field note
Translate every authority into a capability
Instead of recording only an address, write what the role can do: create more supply, freeze an account, change metadata, delegate movement, or apply an extension. Then record whether the authority is active, revoked, controlled by a wallet, or controlled by a program. This turns technical fields into decision-relevant risk statements.
Common mistakes
Checking only mint authority
Freeze, metadata, delegates, close authority, and extensions may also matter.
Treating program control as no control
A program can hold authority and apply rules even when a personal wallet does not.
Calling revocation a full audit
Authority status is one part of a broader token and market review.
Field checklist
- Confirm the token program
- Inspect mint and freeze authority
- Review metadata authority and delegates
- Check Token-2022 extensions
- Combine authority findings with holder and liquidity research
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mint and freeze authority?+
Mint authority can create additional token units. Freeze authority can freeze token accounts under the relevant program. They are separate roles and should be checked independently.
Does revoking both authorities remove every risk?+
No. It reduces specific control risks but does not address holder concentration, creator supply, liquidity, wallet links, promotion, or market execution.
Why identify the token program first?+
The original Token Program and Token-2022 support different features. Knowing the program tells you which extensions and controls may need review.
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Primary documentation
Interfaces, fees, and routing systems change. Confirm current behavior in official documentation before acting.