CryptoPunks, widely recognized as one of the most iconic non-fungible token (NFT) collections on the Ethereum blockchain, has re-entered the spotlight following a dramatic surge in trading activity, signaling renewed interest in blue-chip digital assets.
Last week, the pioneering NFT series recorded over $24.6 million in weekly trading volume, marking its highest tally since March and representing a staggering 416% increase from the previous week, according to data from OpenSea. This significant spike propelled CryptoPunks to the top of the NFT leaderboard on CryptoSlam, where it accounted for more than $8.9 million in daily sales as of July 29. This figure was nearly six times higher than the next-best collection, Polygon-based Courtyard, which posted $1.4 million.
The surge in momentum was broad-based, with transactions jumping over 566% and the number of unique buyers increasing by 200%. The average sale price for a CryptoPunk climbed from approximately $140,000 two weeks ago to $182,000 last week. Furthermore, the collection’s floor price, a crucial indicator of its health and baseline value, rose from around 40 ETH to 47.5 ETH, and was last reported up 4.6% at 53.85 ETH.
A significant catalyst for this recent frenzy appears to be GameSquare’s high-profile acquisition of Punk #5577, one of only 24 rare “Ape Punks,” for $5.15 million in preferred shares. This purchase garnered considerable attention, not only for its substantial value but also for signaling a renewed corporate interest in top-tier NFT assets.
This strategic acquisition coincided with a broader resurgence across the Ethereum NFT landscape. Data from The Block indicates a sharp rise in trade volumes for Ethereum-based art and collectibles in recent weeks, with CryptoPunks, Pudgy Penguins, and Bored Ape Yacht Club emerging as primary beneficiaries. Over the last 24 hours, Ethereum led all blockchains in NFT sales with $19.4 million, significantly outpacing Bitcoin’s $2.38 million and Solana’s $1.62 million, according to CryptoSlam. Ethereum’s daily sales volume also reflected a robust 39.8% day-on-day increase.
