Author: Scof, ChainCatchert
In the cryptocurrency market, the craze for meme coins has transcended simple humor and entertainment, gradually infiltrating more innovative sectors. Whether it combines AI technology or integrates elements of medical research and politics, meme coins are rapidly evolving and attracting increasing attention. This article will review the recently emerging leading meme coins in various sectors, exploring how they become potential targets in the crypto market through unique narratives and creativity.
AI+MEME Sector
1、$GOAT
Market Cap: $1.1B
All-time high price: $1.356
Token price: Currently reported at $1.12
Number of holders: 62495+
Background Story: The $GOAT (Goatseus Maximus) token originates from Truth Terminal, an AI chatbot project created by Andy Ayrey. Initially, Truth Terminal operated on X, inspired by unsupervised conversations between two Claude AI models, focusing on how AI generates content without human intervention. Its main content revolves around a fictional religious concept 'The Gospel of the Goat', attracting a large following with its humorous and quirky style.
In July 2024, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen donated $50,000 worth of Bitcoin to Truth Terminal, which subsequently expressed interest in issuing tokens, leading to the birth of the $GOAT token based on the Solana blockchain. Although Truth Terminal did not directly create $GOAT, its promotional activities significantly boosted the market value of the token and sparked widespread discussions about the impact of AI on the market, social media, and cryptocurrency culture.
2、ACT
Market Cap: $511.8M
All-time high price: $0.96
Token price: Currently reported at $0.53
Number of holders: 24525+
Background Story: ACT Meme is a cryptocurrency that combines AI technology with blockchain, aimed at creating an ecosystem themed around 'AI and Meme'. The project is named 'Act I: The AI Prophecy', built on the Solana blockchain, providing users with an equitable, collaborative digital interaction experience through its innovative AI-driven mechanism.
The project initially did not receive much attention, but on November 12, Binance suddenly announced the listing of ACT, making the ACT token surge over tenfold in value on the same day, breaking the record for meme coins listed on exchanges.
DeSci Sector
1、$RIF
Market Cap: $134.54M
All-time high price: 0.27
Token price: Currently reported at 0.15
Number of holders: 27250+
2、$URO
Market Cap: $67M
All-time high price: 0.17
Token price: Currently reported at 0.066
Number of holders: 17460+
Background Story:
$RIF and $URO are two tokens launched by Molecule DAO on the Desci platform pump.science, aimed at combining medical research with the meme coin sector. The platform allows medical researchers to submit drug research proposals on pump.science, where drugs can be tested on microorganisms (such as worms), and the results of the trials are presented through the platform, allowing users to participate by trading tokens.
$RIF (Rifampicin) is an antibiotic that has gained attention for its potential benefits against aging. Research shows that Rifampicin can activate the cell's defense mechanisms, helping to resist stress and damage, thereby extending the healthy lifespan of cells and worms. While its effects on humans are still uncertain, it has potential in anti-aging therapies.
$URO (Urolithin A) is a compound produced by consuming foods rich in ellagitannins (such as pomegranates) that can promote a cellular ‘spring cleaning’—removing damaged mitochondria and promoting the growth of new mitochondria. This process helps to extend the lifespan of worms and shows potential for enhancing muscle health and energy, fighting the aging process.
Musk Concept
1、PNUT
Market Cap: $1.6B
All-time high price: $2.5
Token price: Currently reported at $1.61
Number of holders: 66269+
Background Story:
PNUT is a token based on the image of a squirrel, inspired by a squirrel named Peanut adopted by an engineer named Mark seven years ago. The story of Peanut initially gained a large following through interactive videos shared by Mark on social media, but due to complaints from local residents about the potential for disease transmission, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) captured Peanut without permission and ultimately euthanized it. This incident sparked widespread attention on social media, and a petition launched by Mark garnered tens of thousands of signatures, even leading to political condemnation of the Democratic Party.
Peanut is gradually becoming a politically charged meme, especially with Musk's support, gradually incorporating elements of Trumpism, forming a unique fusion of politics and internet celebrity culture. With Musk's traffic effect, PNUT has become a market focus, particularly in the listing effect on exchanges. Its unique political elements and squirrel meme image provide it with lower risk and broader appeal. PNUT not only has a powerful ongoing narrative but also cleverly stands at the intersection of traffic and political narrative, becoming a potential token in the crypto market.
2、Banana
Market Cap: $3.4M
All-time high price: $0.07
Token price: Currently reported at $0.003
Number of holders: 20944+
Background Story:
Banana is a new meme token based on the Solana chain, inspired by the classic internet culture meme 'Banana for Scale'. This meme first gained popularity when a blogger used a banana to measure the size of an object, later evolving into a global internet cultural symbol, crossing geographical and cultural boundaries to become a cultural phenomenon.
The launch of the Banana token is closely related to the launch of SpaceX's Starship S31. On the rocket's exterior, Musk specifically decorated it with a smiling pixelated banana pattern as a symbol of 'Banana for Scale'. This banana will fly to space with the rocket on SpaceX's sixth test flight, becoming the first meme to enter the universe, attracting global attention.
As a meme token, Banana may become a representative symbol of the combination of space exploration and meme culture. Its cultural significance aligns with Musk's philosophy of deconstructing serious technology through humor and innovation. Just as he emphasizes the pursuit of 'scale' in projects like rockets, Tesla, and Neuralink, Banana also represents an alternative interpretation of the concept of 'scale'.
Currently, the market cap of $Banana is about $3 million, which is still far below meme leaders like $Doge or $Pnut. However, if it successfully integrates with SpaceX's launch plans, $Banana has the potential to become a representative token of the combination of meme culture and space exploration, attracting global attention and investment.
Zoo MEME
MOODENG
Market Cap: $453.9M
All-time high price: $0.8
Token price: Currently reported at $0.458
Number of holders: 54020+
Background Story:
MooDeng is a cute hippopotamus in a Thai zoo, just two months old but has sparked a global craze due to its extremely cute appearance and amusing behavior. Its every move attracts enthusiastic attention from fans worldwide, with even the Thai Embassy in Tokyo and the cosmetics company Sephora Thailand interacting with it. Moreover, well-known media such as CNA (ChannelNewsAsia), US TODAY, and NBC have frequently published special reports on the discussions sparked by MooDeng, which also became the top-ranked token by market cap launched on pump.
Other sectors
LUCE
Market Cap: $164.4M
All-time high price: $0.36
Token price: Currently reported at $0.16
Number of holders: 41417+
Background Story:
Luce is a cartoon mascot launched by the Vatican to welcome the 2025 Jubilee, aimed at attracting young audiences and guiding pilgrims. Luce represents 'light', dressed in a yellow raincoat, muddy boots, and wearing a pilgrim's cross, symbolizing faith and hope. Her loyal dog Santino accompanies her, with a shell in his eyes symbolizing the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
Luce will debut at the Luca Comics and Games Convention in Italy and will represent the Vatican Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka Expo, showcasing the theme 'Beauty brings Hope' alongside Caravaggio’s painting (The Burial of Christ). The design of Luce is led by Simone Legno, co-founder of the Italian brand tokidoki, aiming to connect with the younger generation through modern pop culture. Luce not only symbolizes the Jubilee but also carries the vision of interaction between the Vatican and pop culture, becoming a modern symbol of faith and hope.
