Ethereum News Today: CryptoPunks Floor Price Surges Past $205,000 330% Volume Spike as Ethereum Rises 60%

The price of CryptoPunks, a pioneering NFT collection, surged past $205,000 on July 29 for the first time in over a year, sparking speculation about a potential resurgence in NFT market activity [1]. This milestone marked a significant rebound for the 10,000-piece pixel-art collection, which was launched on Ethereum in 2017. The floor price climbed to 53.85 ETH, equivalent to $205,000, while the collection’s market cap reached 538,177 ETH and 24-hour trading volume exceeded 2,220 ETH—a 330% increase—reflecting heightened demand [1]. These metrics returned to levels last seen in March 2024, according to CoinGecko data [1].

The price surge coincided with a broader rally in Ethereum (ETH), which had appreciated nearly 60% over the prior 30 days. At the time of reporting, ETH traded near $3,855. Analysts noted that rising institutional interest in crypto assets may have contributed to renewed enthusiasm for high-value NFTs [1].

A notable development during this period was the purchase of 45 CryptoPunks by an unknown user within a week. This bulk acquisition, termed a “sweep” in NFT circles, drew attention as a strategic move to consolidate ownership. Digital artist Beeple, who gained fame for selling an NFT for $69 million in 2021, responded to the activity by creating an artwork titled “BIG SWEEP” and sharing it on X [1].

The broader NFT market also showed signs of revival. On July 22, Ethereum NFT trading volume hit its highest level since February 2025, with $26 million transacted on July 20 and nearly $25 million on July 21. Over half of this volume originated from CryptoPunks.app, the official marketplace for the collection [1]. As of July 29, the total NFT market cap exceeded $6.8 billion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $244 million, representing a 1.5% increase [1].

The renewed activity in high-end NFTs suggests a shift in investor priorities, with strategic purchases and institutional adoption playing pivotal roles. While the market remains volatile, the sustained interest in CryptoPunks and other premium collections—such as Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club—highlights a potential reinvigoration of the NFT space [1].

Sources:

[1] CoinMarketCap Community, https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68887d24ca4a8022a19505a4/