# Pirate Chain

> Source: https://fuckyc.org/services/pirate-chain/
> Website: https://pirate.black/
> Categories: Privacy coins
> KYC: none — Cryptocurrency protocol; mandatory-shielded variant of the Zcash codebase.
> Status: active
> Jurisdiction: protocol — independent open source
> Fiat on-ramp: no
> Payment methods: crypto
> Founded: 2018
> Open source: yes
> Custodial: no
> Last verified: 2026-01-01

## Verdict

Pirate Chain takes Zcash and forces shielded-only transactions. The result is Zcash-level cryptography with a Monero-style mandatory-privacy posture — at a much smaller anonymity set. Useful as a niche, not as a default.

## Strengths

- All transactions are shielded; no transparent pool option.
- Built on the Zcash codebase, so the cryptographic underpinnings are reviewed.

## Caveats

- Smaller user base and liquidity than Monero or Zcash.
- Smaller dev team; track record of timely upstream-Zcash adoption matters.
- Facts need re-verification by operator (last seeded 2026-01).

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## What Pirate Chain is

A Zcash fork with shielded transactions enforced at the protocol level.

## Threat-model fit

For users who want zk-SNARK privacy enforced rather than optional.

## Sources

- [Pirate Chain home](https://pirate.black/) — accessed 2026-01-01
- [Pirate Chain wiki](https://piratechain.com/) — accessed 2026-01-01