Top 7 Most Expensive CryptoPunk NFTs Ever Sold

·

In the fast-evolving world of digital collectibles, few names command as much prestige and value as CryptoPunks. These 24×24 pixel art characters, born in 2017 from the creative minds at Larva Labs, helped ignite the NFT revolution on the Ethereum blockchain. With only 10,000 unique punks ever created—each with its own rare traits—ownership has become a status symbol among crypto elites.

Among these digital icons, a select few have shattered records, selling for millions in ETH and capturing global attention. In this deep dive, we explore the top 7 most expensive CryptoPunk NFTs ever sold, uncovering their rare features, sale histories, and what makes them so valuable in today’s NFT market.

The Rarity That Drives Value

Before diving into the record-breakers, it’s essential to understand what makes a CryptoPunk valuable. Each punk is algorithmically generated with a combination of traits—some common, others extremely rare. The rarer the trait combination, the higher the demand.

There are only:

Additionally, accessories like beanies, 3D glasses, pipes, and mohawks can dramatically increase desirability—especially when combined across multiple rare features.

Now, let’s explore the digital masterpieces that have fetched jaw-dropping prices.

👉 Discover how blockchain is reshaping digital ownership and value perception.

1. CryptoPunk #5822 – The $23.7 Million Alien King

At the pinnacle of NFT history stands CryptoPunk #5822, the most expensive CryptoPunk ever sold. As one of just nine alien punks, this pixelated legend boasts a rare mustache and classic shades—features that elevate its uniqueness even among its already elite category.

The sale in June 2022 sent shockwaves through the crypto world. Verified via the official CryptoPunks Bot on Twitter, the transaction marked a turning point in how digital art is valued. Purchased by Deepak Thapliyal, CEO of Chain—a blockchain infrastructure company—this acquisition wasn’t just a personal investment but a symbolic endorsement of NFTs as long-term digital assets.

With only 8,000 ETH changing hands for a single 24×24 image, #5822 redefined what "value" means in the decentralized era.

2. CryptoPunk #5577 – The $7.7 Million Cowboy

Coming in second is another alien—CryptoPunk #5577, sold in February 2022. Its standout features include a forward-facing cap and quirky googly eyes, giving it a playful yet futuristic look.

Though the buyer remains officially anonymous, speculation points to Robert Leshner, founder of the DeFi lending protocol Compound. His celebratory tweet—“Yeehaw!”—sparked widespread discussion across crypto circles, hinting at ownership while adding a touch of humor to the high-stakes world of NFT collecting.

This sale highlighted how deeply intertwined NFT culture is with DeFi leadership and Web3 identity.

3. CryptoPunk #3100 – The $7.6 Million Headbanger

Sold on March 11, 2021, during the first major NFT bull run, #3100 stands out for its simple yet iconic headband—a trait shared by only 254 punks. As an alien with minimal accessories, its clean aesthetic has made it highly desirable.

Notably, the current owner attempted to resell it for $11.64 million, though no bids have materialized yet. This reflects both confidence in long-term value and the cooling trend in high-end NFT prices post-2021.

Still, #3100 remains one of the most visually striking aliens in the collection.

4. CryptoPunk #7804 – The $7.55 Million Stylist

Also sold on March 11, 2021, #7804 shares the same ETH price as #3100 but edges slightly lower in USD due to ETH’s fluctuating value at the time.

This punk exudes coolness with its pipe, small shades, and grey cap—a combination so rare it’s nearly impossible to replicate. Owned by an ENS address (Peruggia-v.eth), this collector holds nine punks total, three of which were listed on OpenSea at one point.

Its harmonious design and elite trait stack make it a crown jewel among alien collectors.

5. CryptoPunk #8857 – The $6.64 Million Zombie Visionary

Zombies may not be as rare as aliens, but #8857 breaks the mold with its wild hair and trippy 3D glasses—giving it an otherworldly aura. One of only 88 zombie punks, this piece blends horror and futurism in a way few others do.

With only two owners since minting, its provenance is clean and highly respected in collector circles.

👉 See how early blockchain adopters are shaping digital art ownership today.

6. CryptoPunk #7252 – The $5.53 Million Chinstrap Legend

A triple-trait zombie with extreme rarity: chinstrap (only 282), earring (2,459), and crazy hair (just 414). The combination places it among the top-tier zombies in terms of attribute scarcity.

Despite no current bids, its legacy is secure among hardcore NFT enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced rarity over flashy visuals.

7. CryptoPunk #6275 – The $5.14 Million Shadowed Mohawk

Rounding out our list is another zombie marvel—#6275—with a shadow beard (shared by only 526 punks) and dark mohawk (429 holders). Its brooding expression and unique hairstyle make it instantly recognizable.

As one of the last major zombie sales before market consolidation, it represents the peak interest in character-driven digital collectibles.

What Are CryptoPunks?

CryptoPunks are widely regarded as the original NFT project. Launched in 2017 by Matt Hall and John Watkinson of Larva Labs, they introduced the concept of non-fungible tokens before standards like ERC-721 existed.

Each punk is a unique, algorithmically generated character stored directly on Ethereum. Initially given away for free to anyone willing to pay gas fees, they quickly gained cult status among early crypto adopters.

Today, they symbolize digital scarcity, cultural identity in Web3, and the power of community-driven value.

How to Buy a CryptoPunk

While early access was free, acquiring a CryptoPunk now requires navigating secondary markets:

All transactions occur using ETH, and buyers must have a compatible wallet like MetaMask or hardware options like Ledger for secure storage.

👉 Learn how secure wallets integrate with NFT marketplaces for seamless trading.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are CryptoPunks still valuable in 2025?
A: Yes. While prices have cooled since the 2021 peak, rare punks—especially aliens and unique zombies—remain blue-chip assets in the NFT space due to historical significance and limited supply.

Q: How many CryptoPunks exist?
A: There are exactly 10,000 unique CryptoPunks. One was accidentally destroyed, leaving 9,998 available for ownership.

Q: What determines a CryptoPunk’s price?
A: Rarity of type (alien/ape/zombie), number and scarcity of accessories, provenance, and market sentiment all influence pricing.

Q: Can I verify ownership of a CryptoPunk?
A: Yes. All ownership records are stored on-chain via Ethereum smart contracts and can be viewed using block explorers like Etherscan or platforms like cryptopunks.app.

Q: Why are alien CryptoPunks so expensive?
A: With only nine in existence—less than 0.1% of the collection—they represent ultimate scarcity. Their status as pioneers of NFT culture adds significant cultural value.

Q: Is now a good time to buy a CryptoPunk?
A: For long-term collectors or investors seeking iconic digital art, yes—but thorough research into traits and pricing history is crucial before investing large sums.

The story of CryptoPunks is more than just record-breaking sales—it's about how technology redefines art, ownership, and identity. These pixels may be small, but their impact on digital culture is immeasurable.