VonMises and His Unmatched CryptoPunks Collection
The Early Days of NFT Collecting
VonMises, a former traditional finance professional, has rapidly established himself as a leading figure in the NFT world. His journey into the realm of digital collectibles began with a firm belief in the potential of NFTs, underpinned by his motto: “unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity.”
Drawing inspiration from Austrian-American economist Ludwig von Mises, VonMises’ transition from traditional finance to cryptocurrencies began with his investment in Bitcoin back in 2011. However, his significant foray into NFTs started in October 2019 with the purchase of his first digital collectible, Gods Unchained. This marked the beginning of an extensive exploration that would eventually lead him to CryptoPunks.
The CryptoPunks Craze
In his first month of discovering CryptoPunks, VonMises acquired 60 of these digital assets, including CryptoPunk #6039. His early entry into the CryptoPunks market positioned him advantageously as the value of these assets skyrocketed. His portfolio continued to grow, encompassing 350 Chromie Squiggles and early stakes in notable Art Blocks projects like Fidenzas, Ringers, and Gazers.
At one point, VonMises owned five Autoglyphs, a significant achievement in the NFT community. Among these, Autoglyph #392 sold for a remarkable 375 ETH (approximately $1.38 million) in October 2021. Despite this sale, he still retains two Autoglyphs in his collection.
The Birth of His Daughter and the Expansion of His Collection
VonMises recalls the early days of his CryptoPunks acquisition vividly. Amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, he had quit his job, and his wife had just given birth to their daughter. Despite the financial uncertainty, he was resolute in his belief that CryptoPunks represented an exceptional investment opportunity.
“I know this might be a little bit crazy, but I’m starting to put some real money into this,” he recalls telling his wife. Her support was a pivotal moment, allowing him to invest aggressively in CryptoPunks, although he acknowledges he wasn’t as bold as his friend Danny, aka “Seedphrase.”
A Legacy of Valuable NFTs
VonMises’ NFT collection is nothing short of impressive. He currently holds 17 CryptoPunks and 110 Chromie Squiggles, alongside works from renowned digital artists such as XCOPY, Beeple, Tyler Hobbs, and DEAFBEEF. His portfolio also includes pieces from Gazers, Twin Flame, and Bored Ape Yacht Club.
“I’m someone who strongly believes in the crypto ethos,” says VonMises. “I’m a blockchain historian in a sense. I’m mindful of my legacy in this space.”
His vision extends beyond mere ownership. VonMises is committed to building a collection that will be historically significant and culturally relevant, aiming to leave a lasting mark in the NFT world.
The Value of Provenance and Scarcity
For VonMises, the intrinsic value of NFTs lies in their “unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity.” These attributes, he argues, solve many of the problems associated with physical collectibles, such as durability, forgery, and the need for expert validation.
“In 100 years’ time, a 15-year-old with a laptop will be able to look at a CryptoPunk and with 100% authority be able to say this is an actual CryptoPunk,” he explains. This level of certainty is unprecedented in traditional art and collectible markets.
Nostalgia and the Future of NFTs
VonMises believes that as time progresses, the value of NFTs will only increase due to nostalgia and the solid provenance they offer. He reflects on the personal attachment he has to his CryptoPunks, purchased during significant life events such as the birth of his daughter.
“Every decade that goes by, the value of unquestionable provenance goes way up,” he asserts. He envisions a future where digital assets are viewed on par with traditional art, especially by those who grew up in the digital age.
Collecting with a Strategic Mindset
VonMises approaches NFT collecting with a strategic mindset, drawing from his extensive background in traditional finance. He emphasizes the importance of selling into strength and avoiding leverage in the volatile crypto market.
“Sell when you can — not when you have to,” he advises, highlighting the importance of taking
