Top 10 Most Expensive CryptoPunks NFTs In The World

Introduction

Most Expensive CryptoPunks NFTs: CryptoPunks is one of the most famous NFT collections, created by Larva Labs in 2017. These 10,000 unique digital characters were among the first NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain. Over time, their value has skyrocketed, with some selling for millions of dollars. CryptoPunks are highly sought after due to their rarity, history, and status in the NFT world.

The most expensive ones often feature rare traits like alien, zombie, or ape designs. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive CryptoPunks ever sold, highlighting their unique features and record-breaking prices. If you’re curious about the NFT market, these sales show just how valuable digital art can be.

(Source: wikipedia.org)

History on CryptoPunks NFTs

• CryptoPunks is a collection of 10,000 unique digital characters on the Ethereum blockchain, created by Larva Labs in June 2017.
• Each CryptoPunk is a 24×24 pixel art image, algorithmically generated to ensure no two are exactly alike.
• The collection includes 6,039 male Punks and 3,840 female Punks, with additional rare types: 88 Zombies, 24 Apes, and 9 Aliens.
• Initially, anyone with an Ethereum wallet could claim a CryptoPunk for free, only paying a small transaction fee known as “gas.”
• CryptoPunks were among the first NFTs on Ethereum and inspired the ERC-721 standard, which defines non-fungible tokens.
• In March 2022, Yuga Labs, creators of the Bored Ape Yacht Club, acquired the CryptoPunks’ intellectual property and granted the owners full commercial rights.
• CryptoPunks have significantly influenced the NFT market, inspiring numerous projects and contributing to the 2021 NFT boom.
• In June 2021, CryptoPunk #7523, known as “Covid Alien,” sold for over USD 11.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction.
• In October 2021, a transaction involving CryptoPunk #9998 was made for 124,457 Ether (over USD 532 million at the time). Still, it was later revealed to be a “flash loan” transaction, in which the owner bought the NFT from themselves using borrowed funds and repaid the loan within the same transaction.
• CryptoPunks have been used for charitable purposes; for example, in March 2022, an anonymous user donated CryptoPunk #5364 to Ukraine’s government to support their efforts during the Russian invasion.

Market Analysis and Popularity Trends of CryptoPunks NFTs

• As of early 2025, the floor price for CryptoPunks stands at approximately USD 95,390, indicating sustained demand.
• In January 2025, CryptoPunks led the NFT market with major sales, including CryptoPunk #6472 sold for approximately USD 735,440.
• In November 2024, CryptoPunks significantly contributed to the NFT market’s recovery, recording a trading volume of USD 49 million, around a 392% increase from October.
• CryptoPunks have significantly influenced the NFT movement, inspiring numerous subsequent projects.
• Ownership by celebrities and influencers has boosted CryptoPunks’ visibility and desirability.

Types of CryptoPunks NFTs

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

•  Each CryptoPunk can have 0 to 7 attributes, such as hats, glasses, or cigarettes.
• For instance, only 0.44% of CryptoPunks have a “Beanie,” while 3.51% sport a “Purple Cap.”

Top 10 Most Expensive CryptoPunks NFTs In The World

1. CryptoPunk #5822
2. CryptoPunk #7523
3. CryptoPunk #4156
4. CryptoPunk #3100
5. CryptoPunk #7804
6. CryptoPunk #8857
7. CryptoPunk #5217
8. CryptoPunk #7252
9. CryptoPunk #2338
10. CryptoPunk #2924

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#1. CryptoPunk #5822

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Alien (one of only 9 in the 10,000 CryptoPunks series).
• Attributes: Single attribute-Bandana; 481 Punks have this attribute.
• Rarity: Having only one attribute is uncommon; only 333 Punks have a single attribute.
• Initial Sale: First sold in July 2017 for 8 ETH (approximately USD 1,646 at that time).
• Record Sale: On February 12, 2022, it sold for 8,000 ETH, equivalent to USD 23.7 million, marking the highest sale for a CryptoPunk.
• Ownership: Acquired by Deepak Thapliyal, CEO of Chain, in 2022.
• Recent Transaction: In August 2024, Thapliyal transferred ownership to an undisclosed buyer for an undisclosed amount.
• Market Context: The sale occurred amid a downturn in the NFT market, with a 45% drop in sales volume in Q2 2024.

#2. CryptoPunk #7523

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Alien; only 9 out of 10,000 CryptoPunks are of this type.
• Attributes: Possesses three attributes, a trait shared by 4,501 Punks.
• Accessories: Earring (present in 2,459 Punks), Knitted Cap (found in 419 Punks) and Medical Mask (seen in 175 Punks).
• Rarity: Ranked 3rd in rarity among all CryptoPunks.
• Creation Date: Minted on June 23, 2017.
• Notable Sale: Sold for USD 11.75 million at Sotheby’s in June 2021.
• Current Ownership: Held by the address 0x405b96.
• Visual Characteristics: Features blue-green skin, a medical mask, and a knitted cap.
• Cultural Significance: Nicknamed “Covid Alien” due to its medical mask accessory, reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic era.

#3. CryptoPunk #4156

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: One of 24 Ape-type CryptoPunks, making it exceptionally rare.
• Accessory: Features a bandana; only 481 Punks have this attribute.
• Attribute Count: Has a single attribute; 333 Punks share this characteristic.
• Rarity Rank: Ranks 27th in rarity within the entire collection.
• Notable Sale: Sold for 2,500 ETH, approximately USD 10.26 million at the time.
• Ownership Transfer: July 15, 2022 (Changed hands for 2,691 ETH, valued at about USD 3.3 million then).
• Current Owner: Address 0x67954a
• Total Sales: 6 transactions accumulated sales amounting to approximately USD 15 million.
• Minting Date: July 15, 2022 (officially minted on this date).

#4. CryptoPunk #3100

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Alien (one of only 9 in the 10,000 CryptoPunks collection)
• Accessories: Headband (worn by 406 Punks)
• Total Traits: 2 (Alien type and Headband accessory)
• Initial Sale: June 2017 for 8 ETH (approximately USD 2,000 at that time)
• Second Sale: March 2021 for 4,200 ETH (around USD 7.58 million)
• Most Recent Sale: March 2024 for 4,500 ETH (approximately USD 16 million)
• Current Owner: Address 0x705876
• View Count on OpenSea: Over 376,000 views
• Favourites on OpenSea: 1,800+ users
• Contract Address: 0xb47e3cd837ddf8e4c57f05d70ab865de6e193bbb

#5. CryptoPunk #7804

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Alien; only 9 out of 10,000 CryptoPunks are of this type.
• Attributes: Possesses three unique traits, are

1. 1. Cap Forward: Shared by 254 Punks.
   2. Pipe: Found in 317 Punks.
   3. Small Shades: Seen in 378 Punks.

• Sale History:

1. 1. March 11, 2021:Sold for 4,200 ETH (approximately USD 7.57 million at that time).
   2. March 20, 2024: It was resold for 4,850 ETH, equivalent to about USD 16.4 million, making it the second-highest sale in the CryptoPunks collection.

• Current Ownership: As of April 11, 2024, owned by the Ethereum address audio.eth.
• Visual Features: The image depicts an alien character wearing a forward-facing cap, smoking a pipe, and donning small shades.
• Recognised as a symbol of the early NFT movement and digital art innovation.
• Captured a prestigious position among other NFT enthusiasts due to its rarity and sales history.

#6. CryptoPunk #8857

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Zombie; only 88 out of 10,000 CryptoPunks are Zombies, making them rare.
• Attributes: Possesses two attributes that are

1. 1. Wild Hair: Present in 447 Punks (approximately 4.47%).
   2. 3D Glasses: Found in 286 Punks (about 2.86%).

• Rarity: The combination of being a Zombie with both Wild Hair and 3D Glasses is unique to this Punk.
• Sale History: Sold for 2,000 ETH (approximately USD 6.63 million) on September 11, 2021.
• Ownership: Currently held by the wallet address 0xdf37ac.
• Market Status: Listed for sale at 2,200 ETH (around USD 5.83 million).
• Visual Traits: Features a green Zombie complexion, Wild Hair, and 3D Glasses.
• Collection Significance: Part of the pioneering CryptoPunks series that significantly influenced the NFT art movement.
• Cultural Impact: Recognized as one of the high-value sales in the NFT space.
• Rarity Rank: Due to its unique combination of traits, it holds a high rarity rank within the collection.

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#7. CryptoPunk #5217

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Only 24 out of 10,000 CryptoPunks are Apes.
• Attributes: Gold Chain: Worn by 169 Punks (1.69%) and Knitted Cap: Worn by 419 Punks (4.19%).
• Rarity: Having only two attributes places it among 3,560 Punks with this attribute count.
• Sale Price: On July 30, 2021, it sold for 2,250 ETH, which was approximately USD 5.45 million at the time.
• Ownership: Currently held by the address 0xe30161.
• Visual Traits: Features a red knitted cap and a gold chain
• Collection Significance: CryptoPunks are 24×24 pixel art images generated algorithmically and are considered one of the pioneering NFT projects on the Ethereum blockchain.
• Historical Context: The sale of CryptoPunk #5217 contributed to the increasing prominence and valuation of NFTs in the digital art market.

#8. CryptoPunk #7252

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Zombie; one of 88 in the collection.
• Attributes: Possesses three traits:

1. 1. Chinstrap: Shared by 282 Punks.
   2. Earring: Found in 2,459 Punks.
   3. Crazy Hair: Seen in 414 Punks.

• Rarity: Having three attributes places it among 4,501 Punks with the same number of traits.
• Sales History:

1. 1. August 4, 2021: Sold for 1,000 ETH (approximately USD 2.53 million).
   2. August 24, 2021: Resold for 1,600 ETH (around USD 5.33 million).

• Current Ownership: Held by the address 0x0a8f40.
• Market Status: Not currently listed for sale; no active bids.
• Notoriety: Ranks among the top 15 most expensive CryptoPunks sold.
• Visual Features: Depicts a green-skinned zombie with distinctive hair and accessories.

#9. CryptoPunk #2338

(Source: cryptopunks.app)

• Type: Zombie (one of 88 in the collection)
• Accessory: Mohawk Thin hairstyle
• Number of Attributes: 1
• Rarity: Having only one attribute is uncommon among CryptoPunks
• Sale Date: August 6, 2021
• Sale Price: 1,500 ETH (approximately USD 4.32 million at the time)
• Previous Sales: Three prior, none exceeding 3.5 ETH
• Current Owner: 0x7cd3fc (as of the last recorded sale)
• Market Ranking: Among the top 20 most expensive CryptoPunks sold
• Collection Significance: Part of the pioneering NFT project on the Ethereum blockchain.

#10. CryptoPunk #2924

(Source: decrypt.co)

• Type: Ape (only 24 exist in the 10,000-piece collection).
• Accessory: Hoodie (worn by 259 Punks, approximately 2.59%).
• Attribute Count: One attribute (a trait shared by 333 Punks).
• Rarity Rank: Ranked 36th out of 3,746 in the CryptoPunks V1 (wrapped) collection.
• Creation Date: June 2017.
• Initial Sale: Sold for 5 ETH (approximately USD 952.75) on July 11, 2017.
• Notable Sale: Sold for 3,300 ETH (around USD 4.5 million) on September 28, 2022.
• Ownership: Previously owned by collector “seedphrase.”
• Market Standing: One of the highest-selling Ape-type CryptoPunks.

Factors Making CryptoPunks NFTs so Expensive

• CryptoPunks are one of the earliest NFT projects as they hold historical significance.
• Only 10,000 unique CryptoPunks exist, making them scarce.
• Each CryptoPunk has distinct features; some traits are rarer and more sought after.
• They’ve influenced the NFT movement and inspired other projects.
• Celebrities and influencers owning CryptoPunks boost their desirability.
• Owning one grants access to an exclusive community of early NFT adopters.
• Significant sales and auctions have kept them in the spotlight.
• Their pixel art style appeals to digital art enthusiasts.
• Being on the Ethereum blockchain ensures secure ownership and provenance.
• The growing interest in NFTs has increased demand for iconic collections like CryptoPunks.

Conclusion

CryptoPunks NFTs are one of the most expensive digital collectables globally. Their high prices are because of their rarity, early adoption, and strong demand from collectors. In recent years, some CryptoPunks NFTs were sold for millions, accounting for them as a symbol of wealth in the crypto world. Investors see them as valuable assets; on the other side, critics argue they are overpriced.

Despite price changes, CryptoPunks remain popular in the NFT market. Their future value depends on trends, technology, and investor interest. Whether a good investment or not, CryptoPunks have made a lasting impact on digital art and blockchain history.