#BoredApeYachtClub
The NFT collection that became the crown jewel of the 2021 NFT boom.
Quick Facts
- Launch: April 2021 (10,000 unique apes)
- Creator: Yuga Labs
- Floor Price Peak: 150+ ETH (~$450K+ in 2021)
Historical Context
The Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection became the crown jewel of the 2021 NFT boom, with apes selling for hundreds of thousands (sometimes millions) of dollars. Created by Yuga Labs, the 10,000 unique cartoon apes became status symbols for celebrities, athletes, and crypto millionaires.
Owning an ape granted access to an exclusive community and commercial rights to the artwork. The hashtag tracked astronomical sales, celebrity purchases (Jimmy Fallon, Steph Curry, Eminem, Post Malone), and debates about whether these JPEGs were valuable art, exclusive club membership, or a speculative bubble waiting to burst.
Cultural Impact
- Created exclusive celebrity community
- Spawned merchandise, events, parties
- Commercial rights ownership model
- Inspired countless NFT projects