CryptoPunk NFT Sells for $6 Million, Owner Faces $10 Million Loss

A rare CryptoPunk NFT, known as CryptoPunk #3100, was sold for approximately $6 million, marking a staggering $10 million loss for its previous owner. This sale highlights the ongoing decline in the NFT market, particularly for high-value assets, as the value of Ethereum has significantly decreased over the past year.

Key Takeaways

• CryptoPunk #3100 sold for 4,000 ETH, equivalent to about $6 million.

• The seller originally purchased the NFT for 4,500 ETH, valued at $16 million at the time.

• The sale reflects a broader trend of declining NFT prices, particularly in the CryptoPunks collection.

The Sale Details

CryptoPunk #3100 is one of only nine Alien Punks in the entire collection of 10,000 unique NFTs created by Larva Labs. The sale occurred on April 10, 2025, through a private offer facilitated by an art brokerage firm. The NFT's rarity, being the only Alien Punk with a headband, contributed to its high value despite the market downturn.

The previous owner’s loss can be attributed to two main factors:

1. Reduction in Sale Price: The NFT was sold for 500 ETH less than its original purchase price.

2. Decline in Ethereum Value: Ethereum's price has plummeted by approximately 56-57% over the past year, amplifying the financial loss.

Market Trends

The sale of CryptoPunk #3100 is indicative of the cooling NFT market, which has seen a significant drop in trading volumes and prices. The floor price for CryptoPunks has decreased by 67% from its all-time high, with the cheapest NFTs now averaging around 42.5 ETH (approximately $65,900).

NFT Market Performance

• Trading Volume: NFT trading volume fell to $1.5 billion in Q1 2025, a 24% decrease from the previous quarter.

• CryptoPunks Floor Price: The floor price has dropped from over $400,000 in 2021 to around $65,900 today.

The Rarity Factor

Despite the overall market decline, the rarity of CryptoPunk #3100 has helped maintain its value. Alien CryptoPunks are the most scarce type within the collection, with only nine in existence, making them highly sought after by collectors. The sale of CryptoPunk #3100 is now the largest on-chain transaction for a CryptoPunk since April 2024, when another Alien Punk sold for over $16 million.

Conclusion

The sale of CryptoPunk #3100 serves as a stark reminder of the volatility in the NFT market. While the asset's rarity continues to attract buyers, the significant loss incurred by the seller underscores the risks associated with investing in digital collectibles. As the NFT landscape evolves, collectors and investors will need to navigate these challenges carefully to avoid substantial financial losses.

Sources

• Trader takes $10m loss on rare CryptoPunk as NFT rout worsens – DL News, www.dlnews.com.

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

• Someone just lost $10 million selling their CryptoPunk NFT, The Block.

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