CryptoPunk #1021, an Ape variant from the CryptoPunks NFT collection, was sold for 720 Ethereum (ETH), valued at approximately $2.58 million to $2.6 million USD, marking the highest USD sale for an Ape Punk in two years. The buyer was identified as Punks OTC, and the seller was Beauty and the Punk, who originally minted the Ape Punk for free in 2017. This sale has sparked discussions about a potential resurgence in the NFT market. In the 24 hours following the sale, multiple CryptoPunks have been traded at high ETH prices, with several three-digit ETH sales recorded. The floor price for CryptoPunks has risen by 24% to about 5.8 ETH, roughly $208,000 USD. Additionally, there has been an increase in buy listings and new financial mechanisms allowing owners to obtain loans on their CryptoPunks while listing them for sale, signaling increased market activity and liquidity. Other notable recent sales include Punk #4937 for 69.69 ETH ($269,668) and various CryptoPunks with distinctive traits selling between 61 ETH and 75 ETH. These trends suggest growing investor interest and optimism about the NFT market heading into 2026.