Blouny Mag 61

Welcome to Blouny Mag 61 – SZN 4!

Let’s dive into our comprehensive weekly recap of the latest in NFTs and crypto. From market trends to groundbreaking innovations, we’ve got you covered with all the highlights and insights from the past week.
LFG !!

Weekly Crypto Market, Macro, and NFT Update

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) Price

– Bitcoin (BTC): $58,827.12(+3%)

– Ethereum (ETH): $2,313.12 (-0.69%)

– Solana (SOL): $132.744(+0.42%)

Bitcoin (BTC): $58,827.12 (+3%)

Bitcoin has continued to show resilience, posting a 3% increase this week. Analysts point to Bitcoin’s broader bullish cycle, with comparisons being drawn to its strong performance in 2020-2021. Despite short-term volatility and a potential for minor pullbacks, Bitcoin’s price structure indicates that the long-term outlook remains optimistic. The market has responded well to positive macroeconomic factors, such as growing institutional interest and hopes of ETF approvals​.

Ethereum (ETH): $2,313.12 (-0.69%)

Ethereum, in contrast, saw a slight decline of 0.69%, reflecting its recent struggles to break through key resistance levels. The current price action suggests Ethereum is still grappling with bearish pressure, particularly in its ETH/BTC pairings. Analysts point to Ethereum’s upcoming network upgrades and Layer 2 developments, but for now, it remains under pressure. Investors are cautiously optimistic, waiting for the next breakout to regain strength​.

Solana (SOL): $132.744 (+0.42%)

Solana had a relatively modest increase of 0.42%, although it remains one of the more technically strong altcoins. Recent market analysis suggests that Solana is poised for potential bullish momentum, supported by strong on-chain activity and increased fund flows. However, challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and tokenomics concerns still linger. Despite these obstacles, Solana’s position as a key player in DeFi and NFTs keeps it in focus for both traders and investors.

Weekly Crypto Market, Macro, and NFT Update

Is Bitcoin Gearing Up for Its Most Epic Run Yet?

This week, crypto circles are buzzing with talks of Bitcoin gearing up for a long-term bull run, potentially one of the most extended in the history of cryptocurrencies. But before we get too excited, let’s take a deep dive into the current state of the market and the factors fueling this optimism.

A Decade-Long Bull Run: Too Good to Be True?

Several renowned analysts in the space have made bold predictions about a potential decade-long upswing in both the crypto and gold markets. Michaël van de Poppe, a well-known name in the crypto world, argues that commodities, including Bitcoin, are trading at levels we haven’t seen in decades. In his view, this positions them for significant growth over the next 10 years.

Raoul Pal, another industry heavyweight, supports this bullish stance, pointing to a potential global liquidity surge that could send Bitcoin soaring. These are not predictions made lightly; they come from experts with a solid track record in analyzing market trends.

While skepticism is understandable, these predictions are grounded in macroeconomic factors such as historical commodity price cycles, monetary policy shifts, and growing institutional interest in digital assets like Bitcoin.

Market Overview

Before diving into the detailed headlines, let’s take a quick look at the latest market data:

  • Global Market Cap: $2.04T (-2.3% in 24 hours)
  • 24h Market Volume: $62.39B (+76.25%)
  • Bitcoin Dominance: 56.78% (+0.19%)
  • Fear & Greed Index: 36 (Fear)

Bitcoin recently touched $60K before retreating to the $58K range, a pattern that has kept traders on edge. With market sentiment fluctuating between fear and cautious optimism, many are wondering what’s next for the king of crypto. 

Key Market Headlines

MicroStrategy’s $1.1 Billion Bitcoin Buy

Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy has once again made headlines with its purchase of 18,300 Bitcoin, valued at $1.1 billion. This brings MicroStrategy’s total holdings to an astounding 244,800 BTC, worth over $14.14 billion. Saylor’s bullish outlook on Bitcoin, despite the asset’s volatility, continues to fuel institutional interest.

CATI Token Prepares for Launch

Catizen’s much-anticipated CATI token is set for its launch on September 20. As one of the most popular games on Telegram, Catizen’s player base is eager for this token debut. The project’s team has already laid out a roadmap, and a snapshot of player progress was taken on September 14 to determine eligibility for the airdrop. Early indicators suggest this launch could make waves in the gaming and crypto space.

Stablecoins: The Internet’s Next Currency?

Circle’s strategy lead, Dante Disparte, recently predicted that stablecoins could become the internet’s go-to currency. While the regulatory landscape in the U.S. remains murky, Circle is hedging its bets by moving operations to New York and expanding globally. The success of stablecoins may depend on how the U.S. and other jurisdictions handle digital asset regulations, with Europe already moving ahead with MiCA rules.

NFTs Making a Comeback?

NFTs, while not as headline-grabbing as they were during the 2021 hype, are still making moves. One notable example is a recent sale in which a savvy trader bought a rare Ape-themed CryptoPunk for just $23,000 using a smart contract technique called a “shotgun buyout.” The NFT was originally worth $1.5 million, making this one of the most profitable trades in recent memory.

Bitcoin’s Next Move: Key Indicators

Bitcoin’s price action has been closely tied to broader macroeconomic developments. The August Producer Price Index (PPI) came in higher than expected month-on-month, though still down year-on-year. Jobless claims also ticked upward. Traders are now closely watching the Federal Reserve’s next move, with many speculating that a 0.25% interest rate cut could be announced soon.

However, for Bitcoin to break through the stubborn $60K resistance, it will need more than just favorable macro data. A key level to watch remains $60,000, as breaking through this threshold could signal the start of a more sustained rally.

XRP ETF on the Horizon?

In a significant development, Grayscale Investments launched the first U.S.-based XRP trust, offering accredited investors exposure to XRP without needing to hold the tokens directly. This move has fueled discussions about the possibility of the first XRP ETF in the U.S., potentially following the success of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

The AI Narrative

The AI sector is also seeing a boom in token performance, with 9 out of the top 10 tokens in the green this week. Fetch.ai and Bittensor led the pack with gains of 15.89% and 10.53%, respectively. Apple’s new on-device AI toolkit, featuring ChatGPT integration, has further fueled the momentum in this sector.

Conclusion

The crypto market continues to provide a rollercoaster of emotions, with Bitcoin teasing $60K and major institutional players like MicroStrategy doubling down on their bullish outlook. Meanwhile, NFTs, stablecoins, and AI tokens are all making notable strides in their respective niches. While a 10-year bull run may seem like a stretch, the long-term outlook for crypto remains cautiously optimistic, backed by growing institutional interest and favorable macroeconomic conditions.

Stay tuned for next week’s update as we continue to track these exciting developments in the world of crypto!

CryptoPunks #7804

The Modern Art Thief: The Story of Peruggia.eth and CryptoPunk 7804

In March 2018, a digital art revolution was quietly brewing, but it wasn’t until March 2021 that one moment would push it into the mainstream spotlight: the sale of CryptoPunk 7804. The buyer, an anonymous collector known only as Peruggia.eth, purchased the coveted NFT for millions of dollars. This event, among others, ignited what became a monumental bull run in the world of NFTs. But who is Peruggia.eth, and why is this pseudonym so intriguing?

To understand the mystery behind this digital art collector, we need to look at the inspiration behind the name. Vincenzo Peruggia, the Italian handyman, infamous for stealing one of the world’s most priceless artworks, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, in 1911. Just as Peruggia captured the Mona Lisa in the physical world, it seems that Peruggia.eth captured a piece of digital art history with CryptoPunk 7804, sending shockwaves through the crypto and art communities alike.

CryptoPunk 7804: A Digital Mona Lisa?

CryptoPunks, 10,000 unique, algorithmically generated pixel portraits, are among the earliest NFTs, created by Larva Labs in 2017. CryptoPunk 7804, a blue-skinned, pipe-smoking avatar with small shades and a forward-facing cap, became one of the most coveted pieces in the collection. Its aesthetics and rarity led it to symbolize more than just a collectible—CryptoPunk 7804 became a status symbol in the digital world.

 

The anonymity of Peruggia.eth adds another layer of intrigue. No one knew, and still doesn’t know, the real identity of the buyer. Was this individual a billionaire art collector, a crypto enthusiast, or even a group of investors under one identity? One thing was certain: the persona of Peruggia.eth had tapped into something ancient, something connected to the stories of art thieves and the allure of ownership.

Peruggia.eth: A Collector or a Disruptor?

The choice of the name Peruggia.eth for this collector suggests something more than mere admiration for the original thief. By invoking the memory of Vincenzo Peruggia, the pseudonym seems to speak to the idea of disrupting the traditional art world. Just as the theft of the Mona Lisa made headlines and cemented the painting’s legendary status, the acquisition of CryptoPunk 7804 seemed to do the same for NFTs.

When Peruggia.eth purchased CryptoPunk 7804, they were not just buying an image—they were buying a moment in history, a digital “Mona Lisa.” CryptoPunk 7804 became an icon of the NFT movement, much like how the Mona Lisa became synonymous with fine art.

Vincenzo Peruggia: The Art Thief Who Inspired It All

Vincenzo Peruggia’s infamous theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911 is one of the most celebrated art heists in history. Peruggia wasn’t a master thief or criminal mastermind; he was a simple worker at the Louvre, tasked with making protective glass cases for some of the museum’s most prized paintings.

But on the morning of August 21, 1911, Peruggia took advantage of his access and knowledge of the museum’s inner workings. Disguised in a white smock that employees typically wore, he slipped into the Louvre before opening hours, removed the Mona Lisa from the wall, and disappeared into Parisian streets with the world’s most famous painting hidden under his coat.

For two years, the Mona Lisa remained missing, and Peruggia’s motives were a mystery. Some speculated he wanted to sell the painting; others thought he might have had nationalist intentions, wanting to return the artwork to Italy, where he believed it belonged. He kept the painting hidden in his apartment until 1913, when he tried to sell it to an Italian gallery. That’s when his plan unraveled, and the world’s most famous artwork was recovered.

Much like Vincenzo Peruggia, the NFT world’s Peruggia.eth seemingly ‘stole’ a piece of art history—this time in the digital realm.

CryptoPunks #7804

The transaction, which amounted to millions of dollars worth of Ethereum, was more than just an acquisition. It was an event, a signal to the world that NFTs were not just speculative digital assets, but something more—an emerging form of cultural and artistic value. Like Peruggia’s theft, which highlighted the Mona Lisa’s importance, this acquisition made CryptoPunk 7804 a symbol of digital ownership.

The NFT Bull Run

Peruggia.eth’s purchase marked a pivotal moment in the rise of NFTs. The sale of CryptoPunk 7804 contributed to the explosion of interest in digital art and collectibles. At the time, mainstream media outlets were buzzing with headlines about NFTs, with digital artists, collectors, and celebrities all jumping into the frenzy.

The NFT mania was characterized by an astonishing increase in the prices of these digital collectibles. From Beeple’s $69 million sale at Christie’s to Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs becoming status symbols for the elite, NFTs had transcended their digital borders and infiltrated pop culture. The bull run made many early adopters overnight millionaires and led to the birth of countless NFT projects.

However, the role of Peruggia.eth in this craze cannot be understated. Much like the Mona Lisa’s fame skyrocketed after Peruggia’s heist, CryptoPunk 7804’s sale helped solidify the importance of CryptoPunks in NFT history.

The Mystery Continues

To this day, the true identity of Peruggia.eth remains unknown, adding another layer to the legend. The comparison to the original Vincenzo Peruggia, who briefly became infamous as the man who stole the Mona Lisa, is fitting. Both figures acted as catalysts, amplifying the significance of the art they were associated with. But while the original Peruggia’s motives were eventually revealed, Peruggia.eth continues to remain in the shadows, keeping the world guessing.

Perhaps this is part of the charm. In a world where digital transparency and data-driven transactions are celebrated, there’s something thrilling about the anonymity that Peruggia.eth maintains. It’s a reminder that, even in the digital age, some things remain shrouded in mystery, leaving room for intrigue, speculation, and excitement.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Peruggia.eth

Just as Vincenzo Peruggia’s daring theft transformed the Mona Lisa into a global sensation, Peruggia.eth transformed CryptoPunk 7804 into a cultural artifact of the digital age. Their purchase ignited conversations, inspired countless artists, and pushed the NFT market into an unstoppable bull run. Today, both names, Peruggia and Peruggia.eth, are etched into the history books—one in the physical realm and the other in the blockchain, forever linked by their association with revolutionary art.

As the world of digital art continues to evolve, Peruggia.eth stands as a testament to the power of art, ownership, and the stories that captivate us across centuries. The tale of Peruggia.eth is not just the story of a digital transaction—it is the story of how art, whether physical or virtual, can inspire, disrupt, and transcend boundaries.

Endnote

While Vincenzo Peruggia sought to reclaim what he believed was Italy’s rightful property, Peruggia.eth seemed to reclaim the value of digital art. In both cases, these figures left us with more than just the artwork—they left us with stories that are as valuable as the art itself.

Blouny Shop

Blouny Shop: Where Crypto and Culture Collide

In a world where technology is reshaping everything from finance to art, the boundaries between the digital and physical realms are rapidly dissolving. Enter Blouny Shop, a newly launched online platform designed to redefine the way we shop, combining the ease of modern e-commerce with the innovation of blockchain technology. For those looking to purchase unique, culture-infused products, Blouny offers something new and refreshing—an effortless shopping experience powered by more than 10 different cryptocurrency blockchains.

But there’s more to this story than just a technological leap forward. Blouny’s first partner is none other than Bornosor, the enigmatic founder of 0xplatform and a collector whose name carries weight in the world of digital art and NFTs. This partnership makes Blouny Shop not just another online store, but a platform that brings together the worlds of crypto, culture, and commerce in a way that’s never been done before.

Revolutionizing Online Shopping with Blockchain

Online shopping has evolved at breakneck speed over the past decade, but Blouny takes it a step further by integrating blockchain technology into every transaction. Customers can pay using over 10 different cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and more, making Blouny accessible to crypto enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

And it’s not just the ability to use cryptocurrency that sets Blouny apart—it’s the simplicity. You don’t need to be a blockchain expert to navigate the platform. Blouny’s sleek interface allows you to browse, shop, and pay with ease, removing the complexities that have long plagued crypto transactions. In an era where speed and convenience rule, Blouny delivers an experience that’s both cutting-edge and user-friendly.

Bornosor: A Digital Visionary

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Blouny Shop’s debut is its partnership with Bornosor, the founder of 0xplatform and a collector with a penchant for the finer things in digital culture. A self-described *degen gentleman of culture*, Bornosor is known for his carefully curated collection of BAYC (Bored Ape Yacht Club), MAYC (Mutant Ape Yacht Club), and BAKC (Bored Ape Kennel Club) NFTs. Through his collaboration with Blouny, Bornosor is leveraging the commercial licenses of these NFTs to create exclusive products that can’t be found anywhere else.

The significance of this partnership can’t be overstated. Bornosor is no ordinary crypto enthusiast—he’s a tastemaker in the NFT space, a collector whose foresight has placed him at the intersection of art and technology. His collaboration with Blouny signals a new era in which digital assets aren’t just stored in virtual wallets but brought into the real world in meaningful, tangible ways.

The NFT Connection

At Blouny, every purchase comes with an added layer of security and authenticity—an NFT certificate sent directly to your digital wallet. This feature transforms each item into more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in a piece of digital culture. In an age where trust in online shopping can be easily eroded, Blouny’s use of blockchain technology ensures that every product is verified, unique, and authenticated.

And this is where the partnership with Bornosor shines. His BAYC, MAYC, and BAKC assets are not just iconic pieces of the NFT world—they’re cultural symbols that represent the cutting-edge of digital ownership. With Blouny, these assets are used to create products that blend the virtual and physical worlds, allowing customers to own a piece of the burgeoning NFT movement in a completely new way.

Blouny Shop

Blouny’s Mission: Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Physical

Blouny is more than just a store—it’s a reflection of where the digital economy is headed. By enabling purchases through +10 different blockchain networks, Blouny is not only democratizing access to digital assets but also streamlining the shopping experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned crypto investor or a curious newcomer, Blouny removes the barriers and lets you shop with ease.

But the true magic lies in how Blouny merges the digital with the physical. Every product, infused with the cultural weight of Bornosor’s NFT assets, represents a new kind of ownership—one that exists both in the blockchain and in the real world. It’s an invitation to participate in the evolving landscape of art, commerce, and technology.

A New Era for Shopping

As online shopping continues to evolve, Blouny Shop is at the forefront of what’s next. By fusing the simplicity of e-commerce with the transformative power of blockchain, Blouny isn’t just offering products—it’s offering an experience. Every transaction, backed by the security and authenticity of NFTs, is a step toward the future of online retail.

And with Bornosor on board, Blouny has firmly planted itself at the nexus of culture and technology. His involvement adds a layer of credibility and creativity that pushes Blouny beyond the confines of a typical online shop. This is not just about shopping; it’s about engaging with digital art and culture in a way that’s tangible and accessible.

The Future Starts Now

The launch of Blouny Shop marks the beginning of a new chapter in the world of online shopping. With its seamless integration of cryptocurrency payments, blockchain-backed authenticity, and cultural collaborations, Blouny is setting the standard for the next generation of retail.

For those looking to engage with the cutting edge of both technology and culture, Blouny offers more than just products—it offers an opportunity to be part of something bigger. So whether you’re looking to purchase exclusive merchandise or explore the growing world of NFTs, Blouny Shop is the destination where the digital meets the physical, and the future is now.

The Great CryptoPunk Heist: How One Buyer Snagged a $1 Million Ape for Peanuts

In the wild, volatile world of NFTs, there are moments that make jaws drop and heads spin. One such moment has just rocked the digital art space: the acquisition of Ape Punk #2386 for a mere 10 ETH, a sum laughably small compared to its true value. Today, that same CryptoPunk is already drawing bids of 600 ETH—an astonishing 590 ETH profit (nearly $1 million) in just a matter of hours. This wasn’t a lucky break; it was a meticulously planned digital heist, where patience, cunning, and one minuscule error led to a seven-figure windfall for one anonymous buyer.

This is the kind of story that will be whispered about in crypto circles for years—a tale of strategy, risk, and a trillionth of a cent standing between one of the rarest NFTs in existence and a fortune.

Ape Punk #2386: A Digital Treasure

In the universe of NFTs, CryptoPunks stand as legendary artifacts, and among them, Ape Punk #2386 is a crown jewel. Only 24 ape CryptoPunks exist, and they consistently fetch astronomical prices. Recent sales have seen ape punks go for as much as 620 ETH, with others selling for thousands of ETH. These digital apes aren’t just pieces of art—they’re status symbols, revered across the globe as icons of the NFT revolution.

But this story starts long before the market heated up. Years ago, in the infancy of NFT mania, Ape Punk #2386 was fractionalized on a platform called Niftex, meaning it was broken into 10,000 tiny shares, each sold off to various owners. Valued at an estimated 450 ETH, it became a prize shared among many, each holding a sliver of the digital treasure.

Fractionalization seemed like a novel way for everyday investors to own a piece of a digital masterpiece. But what happened next would turn this shared ownership into a high-stakes drama.

The Platform Shuts Down, But the Game Is Far From Over

Niftex, the platform where Ape Punk #2386 was fractionalized, eventually went offline. But like all things blockchain, the smart contracts underpinning those fractional shares lived on. And that’s when the potential for a buyout came into play. According to the contract’s rules, anyone with enough shares could make an offer to buy the entire NFT—if they were willing to brave the 14-day window during which other shareholders could block the move.

Enter 0x282, an anonymous but clearly savvy operator who saw the opportunity for what it was—a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pull off the perfect digital heist. With the kind of foresight that separates the casual from the cutthroat, 0x282 laid a trap. On August 28, 2023, they initiated a buyout offer of 0.001 ETH per share—a grand total of 10 ETH for a punk that had been worth over 450 ETH. The countdown began.

The 14-Day Showdown: A Block Too Late

In the days leading up to the buyout deadline, things started to heat up. Some shareholders noticed the offer and began to move. One, in particular, @gmoneyNFT, decided to block the buyout—but in this game, timing is everything, and precision is critical. To block 0x282’s move, gmoney needed to outbid the 0.001 ETH per share price by the smallest margin possible. The rule was clear: outbid by 0.0010000001 ETH per share.

But, in a moment of high-stakes tension, gmoney’s counter-offer missed the mark. Instead of bidding that crucial fraction, they offered 0.000001 ETH per share. In the world of traditional finance, this tiny difference would barely register. But in the unforgiving realm of blockchain contracts, that trillionth of a cent sealed the deal for 0x282.

Had any other shareholder contributed even a speck—just 10,000 wei, two ten trillionths of a cent—the heist could have been thwarted. But no one else acted. The 14-day window closed, and 0x282 emerged as the owner of one of the rarest CryptoPunks in existence for the jaw-dropping price of 10 ETH.

A Seven-Figure Payday in Minutes

The community watched in disbelief as the transaction cleared. The legendary Ape Punk #2386, once valued at 450 ETH, had been nabbed for just 10 ETH—an acquisition price 70% under the CryptoPunk floor. As word spread, the NFT world collectively gasped. And then the bids started to roll in.

Within hours, the new owner of Ape Punk #2386 had received offers as high as 600 ETH. In less than a day, the ape had leaped from a 10 ETH purchase to a potential 600 ETH sale. A profit of 590 ETH, or close to $1 million, sat tantalizingly close, should 0x282 decide to cash out. But given the trajectory of CryptoPunks—and especially the legendary ape punks—it seems unlikely that this digital mastermind will part with their prize anytime soon.

The Biggest Heist in CryptoPunk History?

The tale of Ape Punk #2386 will go down in the annals of NFT history as one of the greatest, and most carefully executed, heists of all time. What seemed like a fair, open process for shareholders turned into a high-stakes game of strategy, where one slip—a trillionth of a cent—made all the difference.

In an ecosystem where fortunes are won and lost in the blink of an eye, this heist serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins that govern the NFT world. While some see it as an act of clever sleuthing, others lament it as a near-miss that should never have happened. But in the end, 0x282 walked away with the steal of the century, and Ape Punk #2386 is now a symbol not only of the wild highs of NFT culture but of how quickly things can change in the digital art world.

The heist is complete. The ape is in new hands. And for those watching from the sidelines, the only question left is—what’s next?

SZN8 of Memes by 6529: A Bold Journey in NFT Art

SZN8 of Memes by 6529 has cemented itself as a pivotal moment in NFT history, where visionary artists shaped a dynamic season of storytelling and experimentation. It kicked off with Raphael Erba’s Card #246, *Inside the Vault*, a thought-provoking entry into the digital unknown, and culminated in REY’s stunning finale with Card #278, *A Brief Animated History of NFTs*, a vibrant tribute to the rise of NFTs.

Between these two monumental releases, artists like Juice Brunes and C4rdinal offered striking reflections on digital identity, self-expression, and the tensions within web3 culture. Each card added depth to the collection, building a narrative that was both personal and universal.

REY’s final piece was a fitting conclusion—an animated masterpiece tracing the journey of NFTs from niche assets to global cultural icons. In just 32 cards, SZN8 proved to be more than a collection; it was a celebration of the NFT revolution, a bold exploration of the art and culture shaping web3 today.

History of NFTs by REY

 

A Brief Animated History of NFTs by REY – Meme card 278 from the Memes By 6529 Collection

A Brief Animated History of NFTs is the Szn 8 finale of The Memes by punk 6529. This animated artwork takes viewers on a journey through the evolution of NFTs from 2011 to 2024, divided into four distinct stages:

– Innovators
– Early Adopters
– 2021 Boom
– 2022 / 2024 Expansion

Here are some key details about the creation of this piece along with a WIP video:

Total animated figures: 400+
Total hand-drawn frames: 1000+
Time spent: ~1 year & 6 months
Software: Procreate, Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro
No AI was used in the creation of this animation

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