Invested $1,000 in Ethereum When CryptoPunks Were Released: How Much Would You Have Now?
CryptoPunks, a collection of 10,000 24×24 pixel art images built on the Ethereum blockchain, made waves in the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) when it launched in 2017. This launch coincided with Ethereum reaching a high of $348.01, marking an exciting period for the cryptocurrency.
Vitalik Buterin, one of the founders of Ethereum, introduced the cryptocurrency to the world in 2014 through a white paper. By 2015, Ethereum had officially launched and quickly became one of the most renowned and valuable cryptocurrencies in the market.
In 2021, Ethereum experienced significant growth, with its value soaring from $737.71 to $3,682.63. This growth was fueled by the increasing interest in NFTs, with projects like CryptoPunks leading the way. Since its launch, CryptoPunks has become a highly sought-after collection among NFT enthusiasts and has held its value despite market fluctuations.
While many NFT collections have struggled to maintain interest and value, CryptoPunks has remained popular, with over $10.75 million in sales in the last week alone. The current floor price for a CryptoPunks NFT stands at 37.24 ETH, equivalent to around $133,695.
Investing $1,000 in Ethereum during the CryptoPunks launch in 2017 would have purchased approximately 2.8735 ETH. Today, that investment would be worth $10,361.81 based on the current price of $3,605.99. This represents a 936.2% increase in value over seven-plus years.
While Ethereum’s price has fluctuated over the years, reaching highs of $3,614.88 in November 2024, it remains a profitable investment for those who got in early. With its all-time high of $4,891.70 in November 2021, Ethereum continues to be a valuable asset in the cryptocurrency market.