VonMises’ Journey into NFTs: Building an Unmatched Collection
From Traditional Finance to CryptoPunks
VonMises, an ex-traditional finance professional turned NFT collector, has curated an exceptional NFT collection by adhering to his motto: “Unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity.” His journey began with a deep dive into Bitcoin back in 2011, inspired by the works of Austrian-American economist Ludwig von Mises. This background laid the foundation for his interest in NFTs, which he discovered in October 2019 with his first NFT, Gods Unchained.
The CryptoPunks Revelation
The game-changer came when VonMises stumbled upon CryptoPunks. Within a month, he bought 60 Punks, including CryptoPunk #6039. This was a pivotal moment, blending his passion for trading, collecting, and crypto. He also minted 350 Chromie Squiggles and was an early adopter of high-profile Art Blocks drops such as Fidenzas, Ringers, and Gazers. At one point, he owned five Autoglyphs, selling one for 375 ETH (approximately $1.38 million) in October 2021.
Balancing Family and Collection
During the early days of his CryptoPunks acquisition, VonMises had quit his job, faced the onset of COVID-19, and welcomed a newborn into his family. Despite these challenges, he remained steadfast in his belief in the value of CryptoPunks. His wife’s support played a crucial role in his decision to invest heavily in NFTs during this uncertain period.
A Legacy in the Making
VonMises’ collection is extensive and meticulously curated. He still holds 17 CryptoPunks and 110 Chromie Squiggles. His portfolio includes works from renowned artists like XCOPY, Beeple, Tyler Hobbs, and DEAFBEEF. His vision extends beyond mere ownership; he aims to be a blockchain historian, preserving culturally significant NFTs for future generations.
The Unique Value of NFTs
VonMises emphasizes the unique advantages of NFTs over traditional collectibles. Issues like durability, forgeries, and reliance on expert opinions plague the physical art and collectibles markets. NFTs, with their unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity, offer a solution to these problems. He believes that the value of these traits will only increase over time.
Nostalgia and Future Value
VonMises predicts that as NFTs mature, they will evoke nostalgia, just like traditional collectibles. He reflects on his own experiences of buying CryptoPunks during late-night hours while caring for his newborn daughter. He believes that future collectors will similarly treasure NFTs, associating them with significant moments in their lives.
Market Strategy: Sell When You Can, Not When You Have To
VonMises applies traditional finance principles to his NFT investments. He advocates for selling into strength, taking profits when opportunities arise. Despite his emotional attachment to many NFTs, he remains pragmatic, selling when the market is favorable. He advises against using leverage and highlights the importance of being prepared for significant market downturns.
The Future of NFTs
VonMises is optimistic about the future of NFTs. He believes that the traits of unquestionable provenance and provable scarcity will become increasingly valuable. He envisions a future where NFTs are universally recognized as authentic and valuable, free from the issues that plague physical collectibles. His commitment to building a lasting collection reflects his deep conviction in the transformative potential of NFTs.
Rapid Fire Q&A
- Favorite 1-of-1 Art Piece: A recent 1-of-1 Beeple and “Flyswatter” by Dangiuz.
- Top Three Digital Artists: XCOPY, Beeple, Tyler Hobbs.
- Absolute Favorite NFT: CryptoPunk #1111, his digital representation.
- Admired Collections: Punk6529 and Cozomo de’ Medici for their diverse collections.
- Up-and-Coming Artists: James Bloom for his dynamic and generative art.
- Top Three Followers for NFTs on X: DC Investor, Punk6529, Cozomo de’ Medici.
- Advice for Newcomers: Focus on high-end, true collectibles. Save up for significant pieces rather than spreading investments thin.
- Long-term Survival in Crypto: Avoid leverage and be prepared for
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