According to CoinDesk, a CryptoPunk NFT has sold for a record-breaking $56.3 million, marking a significant moment reminiscent of the last cryptocurrency bull market. The previous record for a CryptoPunk NFT was $23.7 million, set in February 2022, just before the onset of the crypto winter.
The NFT in question, Punk 1563, features a pixelated image of a woman with dark hair and blue eyes. The transaction involved the purchase of 24,000 ether (ETH) by the buyer identified as 0x9cbb3d from the seller 0xba1349. This sale is notable as Punk 1563 was listed for less than 30 ETH as recently as September, indicating a substantial increase in its value.
NFTs have often been associated with unusual sales and controversies. In 2021, another CryptoPunk NFT was technically sold for $532 million, although blockchain data revealed that the same individual was on both sides of the transaction. Additionally, there have been allegations that NFTs have been used for money laundering purposes.
The motivations behind the purchase of Punk 1563 remain unclear, but the sale highlights the enduring interest and high valuations that certain NFTs can still command in the market.