NFTs are taking over the real estate of social platform’s profile pictures. Crypto Punks were the first widely adopted profile picture NFT flexed by blockchain OGs and celebrities who were told about one of the earliest NFT collections ever created dating back to 2017.
In April, 2021 Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) was released at the mint cost of .08Ξ which was about $300 at the time. Since then, the BAYC community grew in size and strength with almost 6000 unique owners today. In addition, the world of BAYC has created two offshoots: Bored Ape Kennel Club (BAKC) and Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC) which were both sent for free to the holders of the BAYC–further increasing the overall value of having a Bored Ape. Now the cheapest Ape that can be purchased in the collection is around 39ETH ($110,000). As the collection grows in popularity it continues to attract celebrities and brands who are seeking to invest in NFTs and show off their collections.
On September 28th, American electronic music producer and DJ Marshmello ‘Aped’ in and got BAYC #4808 for 75ETH ($218,000). Ape #4808 is sporting 3D glasses and a multicolor grin which are both popular traits amongst the BAYC community. The 3D glasses trait is a feature seen across a lot of NFT collections and is popular amongst collectors because of the hype that was created around it in the CryptoPunk community.