From digital gold to digital dust
In early 2022, the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) was at its peak. Celebrities, including pop icons, gathered in this space. justin bieberThis is the person who bought it and became a hot topic. Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) $NFT For an amazing amount of money. At the time, this was seen as a bold entry into the future of digital art and Web3.
Fast forward to April 2026, and things have changed dramatically. The speculative bubble that once made the “cartoon monkey” worth millions of dollars has all but evaporated, leaving high-profile investors like Bieber with huge “paper” losses.
$1.3 million entry: Bored Ape #3001
Acquired by Justin Bieber in January 2022 Boring Ape #3001 500 yen worth $ETH. At the exchange rate at the time, the transaction was worth approximately $1.3 million.
This purchase quickly became controversial $NFT collector. Analysts noted that beavers paid nearly five times the “lowest price” for apes with relatively common traits. $Bitcoin and $Ethereum were experiencing high volatility; $NFT The market was still supported by extreme hype and celebrity endorsements.
Why did he pay such a premium?
- Aura of exclusivity: BAYC ownership served as a digital “black card” for elite social circles.
- Market sentiment: In 2022, “prime” NFTs were thought to function as stores of value, similar to works of art.
- Fomo: Fear of missing out on the next evolution of social media avatars.
2026 reality: 99% of valuations will disappear
Today, the secondary market for the Bored Ape Yacht Club collection tells a very different story. As of April 2026, the collection’s lowest price is approx. 5.25 $ETH up to 6 $ETH. With the current Ethereum price stable at around $2,000, Bieber’s Bored Ape is currently worth around $2,000. $12,000.
this represents an amazing 99% decrease From his initial investment. Even when compared to broader crypto market news. $NFT This sector includes BTC and $ETH.
celebrity $NFT 2026 portfolio
Bieber isn’t the only celebrity facing a “reassessment” of their digital assets. The following table shows peak and current estimates of BAYC holders for major celebrities.
Note: Differences in loss rates are often due to the rarity of certain traits and the timing of purchases.
lessons from $NFT bubble
Bored Ape price crash serves as a warning regarding liquidity and speculative assets. Unlike trading on major exchanges, where tokens can be sold instantly, NFTs are illiquid. You need a specific buyer who will pay the asking price for a specific token.
Moreover, as major financial institutions such as Bloomberg have reported, purely “profile picture” (PFP) projects are struggling to regain their former glory due to the shift to “utility-based NFTs” (assets that actually function in games and identities).
Does BAYC have a future?
While the value of the dollar is falling, Yuga Labs continues to develop the “Otherside” metaverse. But for investors who jumped in during the 2022 frenzy, the path to “breakeven” looks nearly impossible. Currently, most experts classify early $NFT Buy as a high-risk speculative play rather than a fundamental investment.
