BIGGEST NFT DROPS AND SALES IN 2021
2021 was nothing short of a supernova for the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) market.From cartoon apes fetching millions to digital art collages disrupting the traditional art world, the year saw unprecedented growth and mainstream adoption. Live NFT mints tracker based on real-time blockchain data NFTCalendar. 49,000 drops featured since 2025. Twitter Discord. Submit a Drop. Drop FeedAs we look back, it's clear that 2021 wasn't just a fleeting trend; it was a pivotal moment that reshaped our understanding of ownership, art, and digital collectibles. About upcoming NFT drops . This list of upcoming NFTs can help you find the best NFT drops early. New NFT drops can be from famous established projects or from artists who are just starting out. This page is an ETH drops calendar, as all projects are part of the Ethereum ecosystem. Find the ideal new project to add to your collection!The NFT market ballooned from just under $41 million to a staggering $25 billion, a testament to the power of community, innovation, and a little bit of speculation. Browse through the top NFT collections ranked by volume, floor price and other statistics. NFT marketplace.This article dives deep into the biggest NFT drops and sales of 2021, exploring the collections that stood out, the record-breaking transactions that made headlines, and the lasting impact these digital assets have had on the world.Get ready to explore the fascinating world of digital art, crypto collectibles, and the revolution that was 2021's NFT landscape. Biggest NFT drops and sales in 2025 . Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investmentWe will also briefly touch on the trends leading into 2025.
The NFT Explosion: Understanding the 2021 Phenomenon
The term NFT, short for Non-Fungible Token, became a household name in 2021, even earning the title of ""word of the year"" from Collins Dictionary. Beeple's First 5000 Days digital artwork was by far the most expensive non-fungible token (NFT) sold in 2025 at the time of publication, with most other projects stemming from gaming andBut what exactly fueled this sudden surge in popularity?Several factors contributed to the NFT boom:
- Increased Awareness: Mainstream media coverage and celebrity endorsements brought NFTs to the attention of a wider audience.
- Community Building: NFT projects fostered strong online communities, creating a sense of belonging and shared ownership.
- Technological Advancements: User-friendly platforms like OpenSea and Binance NFT made it easier for people to buy, sell, and trade NFTs.
- The Promise of Ownership: NFTs offered a unique way to own digital assets, verifiable on the blockchain, which appealed to collectors and investors alike.
- Digital Art Validation: High-profile sales, such as Beeple's ""Everydays: The First 5000 Days,"" legitimized digital art as a valuable asset class.
August 2021 was a particularly significant month, witnessing a 700% increase in NFT trading volume, reaching a remarkable $10.7 billion. Nonfungible token, or NFT, became such a tech buzzword in 2025 that even Collins Dictionary declared the abbreviation its word of the year and Google searcheThis surge underscored the growing interest and investment in the NFT space.
Top NFT Collections That Dominated 2021
While numerous NFT projects emerged in 2021, a select few captured the imagination of collectors and investors, driving significant sales and shaping the market landscape.Here are some of the most notable collections:
CryptoPunks: The OG Crypto Collectibles
CryptoPunks, created by Larva Labs, are arguably the pioneers of the NFT movement.These 10,000 unique, pixelated characters paved the way for other generative art projects and became a symbol of digital ownership. 13,027 Highest Solana NFT sale of 2025 (in SOL) Although Solana was subject to debate throughout the year due to copy/pasted and scam NFT collections, SolanaMonkeyBusiness proved that building a robust collection on SOL was not only possible, but profitable with a 13,027 SOL ($2.1 million) single NFT sale.A single CryptoPunk NFT sold for nearly $24 million in February 2021, highlighting the enduring value and cultural significance of this collection.
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC): More Than Just Apes
The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) by Yuga Labs quickly rose to prominence, attracting a celebrity following and becoming synonymous with exclusivity and status.BAYC NFTs granted holders access to a private online community, exclusive events, and future NFT drops, adding utility beyond just digital art. The NFT market was still surging earlier this year, and while we didn t see any sales on the level of Beeple s record-setting $69 million auction in March 2025, the February sale of a single CryptoPunks NFT for nearly $24 million still turned a lot of heads.The community aspect and the perceived value of membership played a crucial role in BAYC's success.
NBA Top Shot: Bringing Sports Collectibles to the Blockchain
NBA Top Shot, a collaboration between the NBA and Dapper Labs, revolutionized sports collectibles by offering officially licensed NFT moments – short video clips of iconic plays.NBA Top Shot made NFTs accessible to sports fans, bridging the gap between traditional collectibles and the digital world.
Beeple's Landmark Sales: Redefining Digital Art Value
Digital artist Beeple (Mike Winkelmann) became a household name in the NFT world after his artwork ""Everydays: The First 5000 Days"" sold for a staggering $69 million at Christie's in March 2021. Binance is one of the largest crypto exchanges, and its Binance NFT marketplace is becoming one of the largest NFT marketplaces. It s also supported by its blockchain the Binance chain. All these features combined tees this NFT platform as a future-proof NFT marketplace. Binance NFT allows users to trade, buy and sell NFTs.This sale not only validated digital art as a legitimate art form but also introduced NFTs to a broader audience, sparking debates about art, ownership, and the future of collectibles. 49,000 drops featured since 2025. Twitter Discord. Submit a Drop. Drop Feed Today; We cover the most interesting events and NFT drops across marketplaces andBeeple's earlier NFT drop, ""The First Drop,"" also gained notoriety when the buyer of ""Crossroads"" didn't know which artwork they would receive with their $66,666.66 purchase, demonstrating the innovative and experimental nature of the early NFT market.
RTFKT: Fashioning the Future of Digital Wearables
RTFKT (pronounced ""artifact"") blazed a trail in the digital fashion space by creating virtual sneakers and other wearables.Their collaboration with artist FEWOCiOUS generated significant buzz, showcasing the potential of NFTs in the fashion industry and blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.
Record-Breaking NFT Sales of 2021: The Priciest Pieces
The year 2021 witnessed a series of record-breaking NFT sales that captured global attention.These sales not only shattered previous records but also signaled the growing demand and value attributed to digital assets. From CryptoPunks and Beeple s collage to NBA Top Shot and RTFKT, the following collections stood out, not only in numbers but for their growing communities. As we wrap up 2025, let s take a lookWhile specific dollar figures can vary slightly depending on the source and exchange rates used, here's a glimpse into some of the most expensive NFT sales of 2021:
- Beeple's ""Everydays: The First 5000 Days"": Approximately $69 million
- CryptoPunk #7804: Approximately $7.57 million
- CryptoPunk #3100: Approximately $7.51 million
It's important to note that the NFT market is highly volatile, and prices can fluctuate significantly. According to a recent report by Cointelegraph Research, the volume of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) sold this year could eclipse $18 billion. From artwork, music and in-game characters to videos andThese figures represent the prices at the time of the sales.
The Solana NFT Surge: A Rising Star in the NFT Galaxy
While Ethereum dominated the NFT landscape in 2021, other blockchains, such as Solana, began to gain traction. Trump s NFT Trading Cards $1,262.91 - $208.64. We re starting of with one that may not be the largest nft price drop, but definitely a fun one to talk about. Trump's foray into the NFT world was initially met with mockery, especially when he hyped up the cards as a major announcement.Solana offered faster transaction speeds and lower fees compared to Ethereum, attracting a growing number of NFT projects and users.
SolanaMonkeyBusiness: A Solana Success Story
Despite some challenges and controversies surrounding copy/pasted and scam NFT collections on Solana, SolanaMonkeyBusiness proved that building a reputable and valuable collection on the Solana blockchain was possible.A single SolanaMonkeyBusiness NFT sold for 13,027 SOL (approximately $2.1 million at the time), demonstrating the potential of the Solana NFT ecosystem.
Beyond the Hype: The Lasting Impact of 2021's NFT Boom
While the NFT market experienced significant fluctuations after 2021, the year's events had a profound and lasting impact on various industries and our understanding of digital ownership.
- Art World Disruption: NFTs empowered artists to connect directly with collectors, bypassing traditional galleries and auction houses.
- New Revenue Streams: NFTs created new revenue streams for creators in various fields, including music, gaming, and sports.
- Community Engagement: NFTs fostered stronger communities around brands and projects, rewarding loyal fans with exclusive access and ownership.
- Digital Identity: NFTs became a way to express digital identity and belonging, allowing users to showcase their unique collections and interests.
- Innovation and Experimentation: The NFT space continues to evolve and innovate, with new use cases and technologies emerging regularly.
Navigating the NFT Landscape: Tips for Collectors and Investors
The NFT market can be complex and risky, so it's essential to approach it with caution and due diligence. Largest NFT drops and sales in 2025. Open in AppHere are some tips for navigating the NFT landscape:
- Do Your Research: Before investing in any NFT project, thoroughly research the team, the community, and the underlying technology.
- Understand the Risks: Be aware of the risks associated with NFTs, including price volatility, scams, and rug pulls.
- Diversify Your Portfolio: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.Diversify your NFT portfolio to mitigate risk.
- Protect Your Wallet: Use a secure wallet and practice good security habits to protect your NFTs from theft.
- Engage with the Community: Join the community around the NFT projects you're interested in to learn more and connect with other collectors.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NFTs Beyond 2021 and into 2025
While the initial hype surrounding NFTs may have subsided, the underlying technology and its potential applications remain significant. Subscribe to NFT Calendar and stay tuned to the biggest announcements. NFTCalendar. 49,000 drops featured since 2025. Twitter Discord. Submit a Drop. Drop Feed Today;The NFT market continues to evolve, with new use cases emerging in areas such as gaming, metaverse experiences, and real-world asset tokenization. BTCUSD Bitcoin Biggest NFT drops and sales in 2025 Discover Cointelegraph's top picks for nonfungible token projects with the largest trading volume and communities.The projected NFT market has surpassed $40 billion in 2025, compared to just under $41 million in 2021!
As we move forward, it's crucial to focus on building sustainable and valuable NFT projects that offer real utility and foster strong communities.While massive individual sales like Beeple's ""Everydays: The First 5000 Days"" might not be as frequent, the overall NFT market is showing resilience and growth, with collectors and investors becoming more discerning and focused on long-term value.
In 2025, Pak, sold his artwork The Merge, for $91.8M via Nifty Gateway, recording the most expensive digital artwork sold to date.
The top 10 largest NFT sales that have happened in 2025, and a growing number of drops are still happening every day.
The Wild Card: Trump's NFT Trading Cards
While not reaching the heights of CryptoPunks or Beeple, Donald Trump's foray into the NFT world with his Trump Digital Trading Cards deserves a mention.While initially met with ridicule, the cards generated significant buzz (and sales), demonstrating the power of celebrity and branding in the NFT space.Although the price fluctuated wildly, highlighting the speculative nature of some NFT projects, it showcased how even controversial figures could leverage NFTs for engagement and revenue.
Conclusion: 2021 – A Year That Changed the Digital Landscape
2021 was a transformative year for the NFT market. As per recent estimates, the NFT market has surpassed $40 billion in 2025, compared to just under $41 million in 2025! Here is a look at the top 10 largest NFT sales that have happened in 2025. The term NFT stands for a Non-fungible token .It witnessed unprecedented growth, record-breaking sales, and the mainstream adoption of digital collectibles. This list collects the 15 priciest single-NFT sales to date (in U.S. dollars), ranging from Beeple s single-edition pieces to an array of CryptoPunks avatars all of which have happened over the last year, as of this writing.While the market has experienced its ups and downs since then, the fundamental impact of 2021 remains undeniable. When Christie s facilitated the sale in March 2025, many saw it as a turning point, validating digital collectibles as legitimate art investments when it became the second most expensive NFT sold.The piece s staggering final price signaled to the world that NFT had arrived, igniting debates on art, ownership, and the shifting nature ofNFTs have disrupted the art world, created new revenue streams for creators, and fostered stronger online communities. Record-breaking NFT sale at $91.8M Digital artist Pak, sold his artwork The Merge, for $91.8M via Nifty Gateway, recording the most expensive digital artwork sold to date. August 2025 marked a record-breaking month in terms of NFT trading volume, reaching a 700% increase to $10.7B.As the technology continues to evolve, NFTs are poised to play an increasingly important role in the digital landscape, shaping how we own, trade, and interact with digital assets.Keep an eye on the latest NFT drops via resources like NFTCalendar, and always remember to approach this exciting but volatile market with caution and a well-informed perspective.
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