When Did CryptoPunks Launch?

CryptoPunks, one of the most iconic and pioneering projects in the NFT space, made its debut on June 23, 2017. Created by software developers Matt Hall and John Watkinson, CryptoPunks were among the first digital collectibles on the Ethereum blockchain, setting the stage for the burgeoning NFT (non-fungible token) market.

The concept of CryptoPunks was inspired by the early days of digital art and collectible items. Hall and Watkinson envisioned a collection of unique, pixelated characters that could be owned and traded on the blockchain. The result was 10,000 distinct 24×24 pixel art characters, each with its own unique attributes and features. These characters were generated algorithmically and became the foundation of what would become a cultural phenomenon in the world of digital assets.

CryptoPunks are not just digital art; they represent a significant milestone in the history of NFTs and blockchain technology. They were created using the ERC-721 standard, which is now a widely used protocol for creating and managing NFTs. By pioneering this technology, CryptoPunks helped establish the framework for future NFT projects and have since become highly sought-after collector’s items.

Since their launch, the price of CryptoPunks has seen significant fluctuations, reflecting the increasing value and growing interest from the community.

• 2017-2018: Shortly after their launch, CryptoPunks were priced relatively low, with many NFTs trading for under 1 ETH. During this period, they mainly attracted interest from blockchain technology and digital art enthusiasts.
• 2019-2020: The price of CryptoPunks began to rise as NFTs gained popularity. During this time, many CryptoPunks started trading for between several dozen to several hundred ETH.
• 2021: This period witnessed a massive surge in the price of CryptoPunks. With a significant increase in interest in NFTs and the popularity of the cryptocurrency market, many CryptoPunks sold for millions of dollars. For example, some CryptoPunks were sold for up to $7 million, making them some of the most valuable digital assets.
• 2022-2023: Although the price of CryptoPunks experienced adjustments within the broader NFT market, they still retained high value and continued to be valuable collectibles in the NFT space.

Among the 10,000 CryptoPunks, some have become more prominent and iconic within the NFT community:

CryptoPunk #7804:

Known as the “Alien Punk,” CryptoPunk #7804 is one of the rarest CryptoPunks, with only 9 Alien characters in the entire collection. It was sold for a record $7.6 million in 2021.

CryptoPunk #3100:

Also an Alien Punk, CryptoPunk #3100 is notable for its blue bandana and was sold for $7.6 million, matching #7804’s price.

CryptoPunk #5217

As one of the Zombie Punks, CryptoPunk #5217 was sold for $5.4 million in 2021, becoming one of the highest-priced NFTs in the collection.

How to draw nft like cryptopunks

Since their launch, CryptoPunks have become extremely popular and played a crucial role in shaping the NFT landscape. Their influence extends beyond the art world, becoming symbols of the broader movement towards digital ownership and decentralized assets. The uniqueness of CryptoPunks and their limited supply have made them valuable assets, with some selling for millions of dollars.

In conclusion, CryptoPunks launched on June 23, 2017, marking the beginning of a new era in digital collectibles and blockchain technology. Their pioneering role in the NFT space has cemented their place as an essential part of the history and evolution of digital art.