V2 PUNKS ARE NOT ALONE: A V1 Alien CryptoPunk Sells For 180 Eth Or $312K Months After Jalil Patched The Collection's Original Marketplace!

After being lost in crypto space for years, a V1 Alien CryptoPunk just changed hands in a move that proves V2 CryptoPunks are not alone in the market.

On Thursday, an anonymous collector purchased V1 CryptoPunk #2890 from its original minter and CryptoPunks OG StrayBits for 180 Eth, or roughly $312,000 USD, through the original marketplace, which was recently repaired to function as Larva Labs intended back in 2017.

 

As the Gazette previously reported, notable developer Jalil went full Dr. Frankenstein on the V1 CryptoPunks contract back in May, patching the original marketplace and, with it, resurrecting debate surrounding provenance, culture, and artistic intent.

 

The ability to trade these “V1” CryptoPunks is a massive development in the NFT space because these Punks were the original 10,000 that anyone could have claimed from Larva Labs back on June 9, 2017.

 

 

But, shortly after launch, Larva Labs discovered a flaw in the contract’s sales mechanism that allowed buyers to potentially withdraw their ETH after purchasing a Punk. These broken originals eventually became known as the “V1” CryptoPunks.

Because of the bug, Larva Labs abandoned the original contract and, two weeks later on June 23, 2017, airdropped holders an updated version of the collection that would go on to become the now iconic V2 CryptoPunks that made art history, appeared in museums, and helped define NFT culture.

 

But now, thanks to Jalil’s  fix, V1’s holders can unwrap their CryptoPunks and trade them without the old exploit.

 

“The significance of today’s Alien Punk sale goes beyond the asset itself,” CryptoPunk and NFT collector BeautifulNFTs tweeted. “It’s a reminder that V1 is a living ecosystem powered by collectors who value provenance and legacy. Every milestone like this strengthens the foundation, brings more eyes to the community, and pushes V1 into its next era.”

 

 

Today, we do not know how the market will value V1 CryptoPunks relative to their V2 counterparts long term. But landmark sales like this have many collectors wondering whether the market for the highest end Punks in general is beginning to show signs of life.

“This is the first alien sale on either contract we've seen in a long time,” CryptoPunk SeanBonner tweeted. “The younger brother of this alien sold initially for 8 eth less 30 days after being claimed, then again in 2021 for 605 eth. Current owner is anon, I was hoping it someone pairing them up, but so far seems that's not the case.”

The Gazette will continue to follow both V1 and V2 CryptoPunks and will let you know when more information about Thursday's mystery Alien buyer becomes available. Stay tuned for updates!