Ethereum News Today: Crypto Investor Buys 45 CryptoPunks in 2 Minutes, NFT Market Cap Surges 18%

A significant event unfolded in the non-fungible tokens (NFTs) sector as a prominent crypto investor, identified by the wallet address 0x1b…72D6, made a substantial purchase. The investor acquired 45 CryptoPunks in under two minutes, utilizing 2,081.6 ETH coins through Reservoir to complete the transaction. This bold move immediately captured the attention of the NFT and crypto community, not only due to its size and speed but also because of its timing.

The purchase occurred as the NFT sector showed signs of recovery after a prolonged winter, during which multiple firms had reduced their workforce. The market cap of NFTs crossed $6 billion, marking a nearly 20% increase in the past 24 hours. Additionally, the overall sales volume surged by 195%, indicating a renewed interest in digital art. The floor price of CryptoPunks soared over 15% following the transaction, reflecting a significant increase from 36.90 ETH on July 5, 2025, to an impressive $176,000 (47.50 ETH).

Launched by Larva Labs in 2017, CryptoPunks are often considered the Bitcoin of NFTs, serving as a proxy for sentiments around non-fungible tokens. With only 10,000 distinct characters in existence, these pixel arts have become prized collectibles for celebrities, tech-savvy individuals, and crypto-native investors. The latest purchase by a large-scale investor underscores the enduring financial and cultural value of CryptoPunks, despite the market's volatility since the 2021/2022 boom.

The whale's shopping spree also shifted attention to the broader NFT space, which is buzzing with another key milestone. The total market cap of NFTs has crossed $6 billion, gaining more than 18% in the past 24 hours. The sector's trading volume experienced a robust 195% increase over the past day, reaching $31.14 million. These figures reflect staggering activities in the NFT industry, hinting at imminent recoveries and a possible new wave of enthusiasts and money flowing into the space.

Top collectibles like Pudgy Penguins, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and Moonbirds have recovered in the previous week, gaining 6%, 3%, and 196%, respectively. The NFT marketplace is regaining strength, and large-scale transactions could encourage other whales and retail buyers to join the bandwagon. Proponents believe this might be the start of a bull run in the NFT market, especially as digital assets exhibit bullish price structures. Indicators such as declining Bitcoin dominance, Ethereum’s current outperformance, and the ASI (Altcoin Season Index) suggest a materializing altcoin season.