From Digital Gold to Digital Dust
In early 2022, the world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) was at its peak. Celebrities were flocking to the scene, led by the pop icon Justin Bieberwho made headlines by buying a Bored Ape Yacht Club (The price of BAYC) NFT at an amazing price. At the time, it seemed like a bold step into the future of modern technology with web3.
Fast forward to April 2026, and the landscape has changed dramatically. The imaginary nose that once valued “monkeys” at millions of dollars has evaporated, leaving high-end investors like Bieber with a huge loss of “paper”.
$1.3 Million Entry: Bored Ape #3001
In January 2022, Justin Bieber got Bored Ape #3001 for 500 ETH. At the exchange rates of the time, the product was worth approx $1.3 million.
The purchase was immediately controversial among NFT collectors. Experts say that Bieber paid about five times the “base price” for a monkey with similar characteristics. Although $Bitcoin and $Ethereum were experiencing great volatility, the NFT market was still fueled by a lot of hype and celebrity endorsements.
Why Did They Pay So Much Money?
- Aura of Exclusivity: BAYC owners acted as a digital “black card” for the elite.
- Market Opinion: In 2022, the belief was that “blue-chip” NFTs will be like a store of value similar to fine art.
- FORM: Fear of missing out on the next evolution of social media avatars.
2026 Facts: A 99% Valuation Wipeout
Today, the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s secondary market tells a very different story. By April 2026, the price of the collection has dropped to approx 5.25 ETH to 6 ETH. It’s now The price of Ethereum settling for around $2,000, Bieber’s Bored Ape is now a bargain. $12,000.
This represents a phenomenon 99% is down from his first investment. Even compared to the main crypto market storyThe decline in the NFT sector has been more severe than that of major cryptocurrencies such as BTC or ETH.
Popular NFT Groups in 2026
Bieber isn’t the only celebrity facing a “recalculation” of his digital fortune. The following table shows the average interest rates compared to today’s current BAYC holders:
| Famous people | Property | Purchase Price (Est.) | Current Price (2026) | Total Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Bieber | BAYC #3001 | $1,300,000 | ~$12,000 | -99% |
| Eminem | BAYC #9055 | $462,000 | ~$78,000 | -83% |
| Stephen Curry | BAYC #7990 | $180,000 | ~$85,000 | -53% |
Note: Differences in lost shares are often due to lack of conditions or time of purchase.
Lessons from the NFT Bubble
Bored Ape’s price drop is a cautionary tale for financial and speculative affairs. Unlike trading on major exchanges, where you can sell a token instantly, NFTs are illiquid. You need a buyer who is willing to pay for your brand.
Also, as stated by financial officials such as Bloombergthe shift to “performance-based NFTs”—assets with a specific in-game function or identity—has left “profile picture” (PFP) projects struggling to regain their former glory.
Is There a Future for BAYC?
While the value of the dollar has fallen, Yuga Labs continues to create the “Otherside” metaverse. However, for investors who entered 2022 chaos, the road to “break even” seems impossible. Many experts now classify early NFT purchases as high-risk speculative plays rather than initial investments.
