This November, The Fintech Times is looking to broaden the understanding of digital currencies, ranging from blockchain’s use outside of crypto to CBDCs, in an attempt to replace the notion that digital currencies are a synonym for crypto.
It’s safe to say that when it comes to digital assets, NFTs are the hot topic at the moment. Fueled by social media, meme culture and various celebrities and brands, these tokens often come in the form of the weird and wonderful, as well as being unique forms of digital art. An NFT can command incredible prices from collectors, and to many are the digital answer to collectables that don’t take up space on your shelves.
So, with the NFT hype showing no signs of slowing down, here is a list of just some of the NFTs people have gotten their hands on, and some of the stranger NFTs that have been sold of late.
Avocados
Kwyptoland are releasing KwyptoKadoes; cute avocado avatar NFTs that was derived from the saying “millennials can’t afford real estate because of avocado toast.”
KwyptoKado offers a series of rights in KwyptoLand’s projects and acts as a booster for power in KwyptoLand’s first play-to-earn virtual game, Ether Footy, which aims to be released before Christmas this year. Each avocado is paired with possible food pairings that goes with it in real life and have 4-7 combined traits of various rarities.
Each KwyptoKado grants you the exclusive lifetime privilege of first access to all of Kwyptoland, where you can hang out with your forever family and have first dips on projects, airdrops, and benefits. A KwyptoKado also offers an entry into winning $70,000.
NBA
Retired NBA star Tracy McGrady will launch his own collection of non-fungible tokens called – Time 13 points in 35 seconds – on November 19. This collection will be the first video series on the platform of a legendary NBA star. It highlights the highest moments in the career of T-MAC, who, as an active player, was twice the league’s top scorer (2003 and 2004), seven times chosen to participate in the All-Star Game and has been a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame since 2017.
“There were just so many wonderful moments that took place throughout my career in the NBA that I’d like to share with all my fans. Now NFT‘s have definitely made the process much easier and memorable for everyone. Every time people look at the NFT pieces, it’s as if we’re reliving those moments.“ T-MAC explained.
Nyan Cat Gif
In April 2021, Nyan cat turned 10, and to mark the occasion, a one of a kind edition of the iconic GIF went up for auction. The artist behind Nyan Cat remastered the original animation and sold it through the crypto art platform foundation for 300. ETH, around $600,000 dollars at the time.
“I think it’s cool knowing you own the only piece in existence,” Torres said. “And I feel like Nyan Cat will be a really special one to own.”
Morons by Banksy
On original Banksy, which was burned and destroyed via live stream, has been sold via a digital token representing the work for $380,000. In perhaps the ultimate form of satire, the original artwork titled Morons is a critique of the art market showing an auctioneer selling an artwork saying “I can’t believe you morons actually buy this.”
The IRL art was bought by Injective Protocol, the blockchain firm behind the stunt that aimed to inspire tech enthusiasts and artists.
“We view this burning event as an expression of art itself,” said Mirza Uddin, a spokesman for Injective Protocol. “We specifically chose a Banksy piece since he has previously shredded one of his own artworks at an auction.”
Charmin Toilet Paper
Charmin launched its own toilet paper themed NFT, called NFTP (non-fungible toilet paper). The NFT was expected to come with a “physical display” in case owners wanted to hang the NFTs in your bathroom alongside your “IRL rolls”.
All proceeds from the NFT sales went directly to humanitarian aid non-profit, Direct Relief, with some of the NFTs selling for over $2000.
Kings of Leon Album
Kings of Leon became the first band to release an album as an NFT. They dropped 3 different tokens as part of the series, one was a special album package, one was for live show perks such as front row seats for life, and the third was for an exclusive audiovisual art. The album, When You See Yourself, is available wherever music is released, but the NFT version is the only copy with special perks priced at $50.
Taco Bell
Fast food brand Taco Ball sold taco themes GIFs and images on the NFT marketplace Rarible, with the 25 tokens reportedly selling out in 30 minutes. It was also claimed that the NFTs included a $500 Taco Bell gift card, and the company is considering launching more NFTs in future. Taco Bell also announced all proceeds went to the Live Más Scholarship through the Taco Bell Foundation.
A Fart
Yes, you read that correctly. Filmmaker Alex Ramirez-Mallis and his friends auctioned off 52 minutes of audio flatulence as an NFT. The token auctioned for $420, with Ramírez-Mallis selling additional NFTs of individual farts for anywhere up to $90.
“If people are selling digital art and GIFs, why not sell farts?” Ramírez-Mallis told the New York Post.
Country Music
Solo Music announced an exclusive partnership with the Country Music Association (CMA) for a one-of-a-kind NFT drop celebrating “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.” The collection—marking the first-ever NFT drop from a Country Music award show—will debut November 12 and feature artwork surrounding the iconic CMA Awards trophy.
Owners of “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” NFT will serve as the first members of CMA’s NFT digital community, offering reward holders with unique content, as well as exclusive access and ticket opportunities to future CMA events.
Jack Dorsey’s first tweet
Finally, one of the more crazy NFT sales comes in the form of Twitter founder Jack Dorsey’s first-ever tweet. Reading “just setting up my twttr”, the tweet was published on March 21, 2006 and was auctioned off by Dorsey for the charity GiveDirectly. The token was bought by a Malaysian businessman for the equivalent of an eyewatering £2.9 million.
“This is not just a tweet!” The buyer Sina Estavi posted on Twitter. “I think years later people will realize the true value of this tweet, like the Mona Lisa painting.”
