What Is PEPE?
PEPE is a memecoin-type cryptocurrency token launched in April 2023, inspired by the popular internet meme Pepe the Frog. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies focused on utility and real-world use cases, PEPE falls under the memecoin category, deriving its value primarily from cultural popularity and community sentiment.
As an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, PEPE leverages Ethereum’s security and infrastructure. With a market capitalization of approximately $3 billion in April 2025, it has cemented its position as one of the most prominent memecoins, consistently ranking among the top 40 cryptocurrencies by valuation.
PEPE features a deflationary mechanism that burns a small portion of tokens with each transaction, gradually reducing the total supply and potentially creating upward price pressure over time.
The History of PEPE
The token’s official journey began on April 14, 2023, when it was deployed on the Ethereum blockchain. Its launch coincided with renewed interest in memecoins, fueled by the success of Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB).
PEPE’s initial growth was meteoric: within five days of launch, its market cap exceeded $100 million. This rapid ascent was driven by the crypto community’s enthusiasm for memecoins and the instant recognition of Pepe the Frog, a well-established internet icon.
Throughout 2023, PEPE experienced extreme volatility, with price swings of hundreds of percentage points within days. Despite this, the token gained legitimacy through listings on major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase.
By 2024, PEPE entered a consolidation phase, building a more stable user base. In 2025, it remains a speculative favorite among investors exploring memecoins.
Who Created PEPE?
While Pepe the Frog was originally created by artist Matt Furie in 2005, the PEPE token has no official affiliation with him. The memecoin is attributed to Zachary Testa, a landscape photographer who allegedly launched the project in April 2023.
Unlike many crypto projects, PEPE’s team initially maintained anonymity, aligning with the decentralized ethos of memecoins. The token was launched without a presale or developer allocation, ensuring fair distribution.
What Is the Purpose of PEPE?
PEPE’s utility is limited compared to traditional cryptocurrencies. Its primary functions include:
Speculation and Investment
PEPE serves as a speculative asset, attracting traders and long-term investors betting on memecoin adoption.
Deflationary Mechanism
The built-in token burn reduces supply over time, theoretically supporting price appreciation.
Community Engagement
Holding PEPE signifies membership in a community centered around meme culture and crypto.
How Does PEPE Work?
As an ERC-20 token, PEPE operates exclusively on Ethereum, benefiting from:
- Robust security
- High liquidity (via DEXs like Uniswap)
- Interoperability with other Ethereum-based protocols
Technical aspects:
- Total supply: 420.69 trillion tokens
- Transaction fees: Paid in ETH
- Smart contract rules: Govern transfers and burns
Pros and Cons of PEPE
Advantages
- High-profit potential
- Strong community support
- Deflationary model
- High liquidity
Disadvantages
- Extreme volatility
- Limited real-world utility
- Regulatory uncertainty
- Market sentiment dependency
PEPE Price Analysis and Predictions
Price History
- April 2023: Launched at ~$0.000000001
- May 2023: Peaked at ~$0.00000431
- 2025: Stabilized at $0.000007–$0.000009
Predictions (2025–2030)
- 2025: $0.00001–$0.00003
- 2030: $0.00005–$0.0001 (speculative)
Key Milestones
- April 2023: Launch
- May 2023: Binance listing
- 2025: CFTC certification (U.S.)
Where to Buy PEPE?
Available on:
- CEXs: Binance, Coinbase, Bitget
- DEXs: Uniswap
Storage Options
- Hot wallets: MetaMask, Trust Wallet
- Cold wallets: Ledger, Trezor
FAQs
Q: Is PEPE a good investment?
A: It’s high-risk/high-reward—only allocate funds you can afford to lose.
Q: How does the token burn work?
A: A small % of tokens is destroyed per transaction, reducing supply.
Q: Can PEPE reach $1?
A: Extremely unlikely due to its massive supply.
Q: Who owns the most PEPE?
A: Early adopters and exchanges hold significant amounts.
Final Thoughts
PEPE exemplifies memecoin culture but remains highly speculative. Diversify investments and stay updated on market trends.