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# What is CryptoPunks? The First Crypto Collectible
- URL: https://dexplain.com/what-is-cryptopunks-the-first-crypto-collectible/
- Published: 2020-10-06T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2021-12-01T16:02:20.000Z
- Description: What is CryptoPunks? The first crypto collectible deployed on Ethereum. Credited with inspiring the CryptoAre and NFTs movement we see today!
- Author: wizardfromspace
- Tags: Non-fungible Tokens, Crypto Art, Collectibles, OpenSea, CryptoPunks

CryptoPunks are 10,000 unique collectible characters with proof of ownership on the [Ethereum](https://dexplain.com/tag/ethereum) blockchain. The project is the first-ever [non-fungible token](https://dexplain.com/tag/non-fungible-token) to deploy on Ethereum. As a result, CryptoPunks is the backbone for the ERC721 token standard which powers nearly all blockchain digital art and [crypto collectibles](https://dexplain.com/tag/collectibles). More importantly, without CryptoPunks we may not have the modern [CryptoArt](https://dexplain.com/tag/crypto-art) movement we see today on platforms such as [SuperRare](https://dexplain.com/superrare-has-earned-artists-over-2m-since-launch/).

## What is CryptoPunks?

They are uniquely generated characters in the form of 24×24 pixel art images. No two Punks are alike as they have been generated algorithmically. As you may have guessed, the characters follow a punk theme though there are some rarer types. Such as apes, zombies, and even some aliens. Using the [larvalabs website](https://larvalabs.com/cryptopunks?ref=dexplain.com), you can browse a CryptoPunk to see their accessories and attributes. Along with their transaction (sale) history, meaning you can always verify who owns which CryptoPunk.

![](https://dexplain.com/content/images/2021/12/punks-punks.webp)

The project started by two creative technologists called Matt and John, now known as Larvalabs. Initially, anyone with an Ethereum wallet could claim a CryptoPunk. However, today if you want to own a Punk you would have to buy it. All of the sales happen through the larvalabs website, which is a little tricky to navigate. More recently, developers have wrapped Punks to enable buying and selling on other marketplaces which are more beginner friendly.

## Wrapped Punks for Trading

As the first non-fungible token, they do not follow the ERC721 standard. As a result, they are not compatible by default with platforms such as [OpenSea](https://dexplain.com/what-is-opensea-crypto-collectibles-marketplace/) or [Rarible](https://dexplain.com/what-is-rarible-solving-the-pains-of-digital-art-with-nfts/). This makes it harder for investors to buy and sell them safely. Luckily, there is a tool by [arkgallerydao](https://twitter.com/arkgalleryDAO?ref=dexplain.com) which lets you wrap them. Once wrapped, the Punks collectibles are tradable on other NFT marketplaces.

![](https://dexplain.com/content/images/2021/12/cryptopunks-ranking.webp)

Interest in owning a Punk has grown since the wrapper tool was released, we expect prices will start going up by demand!