Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT) is a memecoin launched on the Solana blockchain as a tribute to a beloved pet squirrel named Peanut, who gained internet fame through heartwarming posts by his caretaker, Mark Longo. Peanut became a viral sensation, captivating audiences with his tricks and adorable tiny hats. However, in October, authorities seized Peanut, leading to his tragic euthanasia, which sparked widespread public outrage.
In response to the viral story, developers introduced the PNUT token on November 5. Promoted as a tribute to the late Peanut, the coin immediately garnered investor interest. Public figures, including Elon Musk and Congressman Nick Langworthy, voiced their condemnation of the authorities' actions, with Musk's posts on X (formerly Twitter) amplifying the story further. This surge in attention helped PNUT rapidly gain traction in the crypto community.
Within days, the token’s value skyrocketed, reaching $2.10 and achieving a market capitalization exceeding $2 billion. Its timing—amid widespread outrage and Musk’s social media influence—contributed significantly to its rise as one of the most talked-about tokens. #PNUT $PNUT