CryptoPunks Market Cap Tops $2 Billion as NFTs Face 12% Downturn

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CryptoPunks Market Cap Tops $2 Billion

Despite a downturn in the broader NFT market, iconic collection CryptoPunks posted a 3.5% price increase on September 17, signaling resilience and sustained demand among collectors.

Launched in June 2017 by Larva Labs, CryptoPunks consists of 10,000 algorithmically generated pixel art characters on the Ethereum blockchain. The collection features 6,039 male punks, 3,840 female punks, and a handful of ultra-rare types, including 88 zombies, 24 apes, and only 9 aliens.

As of now, the floor price sits around $202,799, pushing the collection’s market cap above $2 billion. Notably, 9,000 of the NFTs were initially given away for free, while Larva Labs retained 1,000 at launch.

Ethereum’s Recovery Fuels NFT Momentum

The recent price rebound of Ethereum (ETH), which climbed past the $4,000 mark, has provided a major boost. Since most NFTs are priced and traded in ETH, its rise directly strengthens premium collections like CryptoPunks.

While the broader NFT sector saw its total market cap fall 12% from $9.3 billion to $8.1 billion, CryptoPunks bucked the trend. The collection’s 3.5% daily gain underscores its blue-chip status in digital collectibles.

Institutional interest is also rising. BTCS Inc. recently added Pudgy Penguins to its balance sheet, signaling growing recognition of top-tier NFT assets, a trend that indirectly supports CryptoPunks’ reputation as the market leader.

Trading Activity and Market Position

CryptoPunks’ all-time high was recorded on October 18, 2021, when the floor price hit $477,924.

Recent trading has been equally strong. In the past week alone, nearly 4,200 ETH ($20 million) worth of CryptoPunks changed hands. During this period, 90 NFTs were sold at an average price of $217,331 each.

While competition intensifies,  with Pudgy Penguins overtaking Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) for the second-largest market cap,  CryptoPunks remains the undisputed leader.

Currently, ownership is concentrated among 3,853 holders (38.55% of supply), reflecting a strong base of dedicated collectors rather than mass distribution. Over the past year, the collection has surged 113.3% in value, cementing its status as a long-term digital asset.

As institutional adoption and Ethereum’s recovery continue, CryptoPunks’ position as the flagship NFT collection looks more secure than ever. 

If you are looking for a NFT wallet, our guide of Best NFT Wallets 2025 – Safe & User-Friendly Wallets will show you around.

 

By Patrick Johnson

Patrick Johnson is a seasoned crypto journalist and analyst with a sharp eye for emerging trends in blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 innovation. With a background in tech writing and years of experience tracking digital assets, Patrick breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable insights for investors, builders, and curious readers alike. His work spans market analysis, crypto regulation, decentralized finance ecosystems, and interviews with founders shaping the next phase of the internet. Patrick's writing has appeared in leading crypto publications and has earned a reputation for depth, clarity, and a no-hype approach to crypto journalism. When he’s not decoding the latest protocol upgrade or reporting on DAO governance shifts, you’ll find him experimenting with smart contracts or hiking off-grid, because even crypto authors need to unplug sometimes.