CryptoPunk #3100 Sells for $6 Million, Owner Faces $10 Million Loss

A rare CryptoPunk NFT, known as CryptoPunk #3100, has recently sold for $6 million, resulting in a staggering $10 million loss for its owner. This sale highlights the ongoing decline in the NFT market, which has seen significant price drops over the past year.

Key Takeaways

• CryptoPunk #3100 sold for 4,000 ETH, approximately $6 million.

• The seller originally purchased the NFT for 4,500 ETH, around $16 million, in March 2024.

• The loss is attributed to both a decrease in Ethereum's value and a drop in the NFT's market price.

• The overall NFT market is experiencing a downturn, with trading volumes significantly reduced.

The Sale of CryptoPunk #3100

CryptoPunk #3100 is one of only nine Alien Punks in the original 10,000-piece collection created by Larva Labs in 2017. The NFT was sold through a private offer on the CryptoPunks marketplace, reportedly brokered by an art brokerage firm. The sale took place on April 10, 2025, marking a significant moment in the NFT space.

The sale price of 4,000 ETH, equivalent to about $6 million at the time, represents a notable decline from its previous purchase price of 4,500 ETH, which was valued at approximately $16 million. This transaction has now become the third-largest sale in the history of CryptoPunks, following previous sales of $7.58 million and $16.03 million.

Factors Contributing to the Loss

The $10 million loss incurred by the seller can be attributed to two main factors:

1. Decrease in Ethereum's Value: Over the past year, Ethereum's price has dropped by approximately 56-57%, amplifying the loss in dollar terms.

2. Market Downturn: The NFT market has seen a significant decline in trading volumes, with overall sales dropping to levels not seen since early 2021. The floor price for CryptoPunks has also decreased by 67% from its all-time high.

The Current State of the NFT Market

The NFT market, once booming, is now facing a cooling period. In the first quarter of 2025, NFT trading volume fell to $1.5 billion, a 24% decrease from the previous quarter. This decline indicates a shift in investor sentiment, with many choosing to liquidate their assets at lower prices to avoid further losses.

Despite the downturn, CryptoPunks remain a prestigious collection, accounting for a significant portion of the NFT market. They still represent 23% of the $2.7 billion global NFT market capitalization, showcasing their enduring appeal despite the current challenges.

Conclusion

The sale of CryptoPunk #3100 serves as a stark reminder of the volatility in the NFT market. While rare pieces can still command high prices, the overall trend indicates a significant shift in investor behavior and market dynamics. As the NFT landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether this is a temporary adjustment or a more permanent change in the perception of digital assets.

Sources

• CryptoPunk Holder Sells Rare 'Alien" NFT for 4000 ETH, CoinDesk.

• Rare Alien CryptoPunk NFT Sells for $6 Million, Owner Takes $10 Million Loss, CoinCentral.

• Investor sells CryptoPunk NFT for $6M absorbing a $10M loss, Crypto News.

• CryptoPunks NFT Sells for $6 Million in Ethereum—At a $10 Million Loss, Decrypt.

• CryptoPunk #3100 sold with a loss of $10 million, The Cryptonomist.