PEPE is a meme-based cryptocurrency built on the Ethereum blockchain, themed around the popular internet character, Pepe the Frog. Similar to other meme tokens like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, PEPE aims to challenge the dominance of dog-themed tokens and reclaim meme supremacy.
Unlike many meme tokens that rely on questionable tokenomics, PEPE launched with no presale and no transaction taxes. The development team burned all liquidity pool (LP) tokens and renounced the smart contract, ensuring that a "rug pull" is impossible.
The total supply of PEPE tokens is 420 trillion—a nod to cannabis culture. 93.1% of the total supply was added to Uniswap liquidity pools, and the remaining 6.9% is held in a multi-signature wallet reserved for future exchange listings, bridge development, and liquidity. This wallet can be identified with the ENS domain: pepecexwallet.eth.
Key Features of PEPE Coin
- Built around a recognizable and viral meme culture
- No private or public presale took place
- Zero transaction taxes on trading
- Liquidity tokens have been burned
- Contract ownership has been renounced
- Encourages long-term holding among supporters
- Implements a token burn mechanism
The Story Behind Pepe the Frog
Pepe the Frog originated from the comic "Boy’s Club" by Matt Furie. Over time, the character became a popular internet meme, adapted into countless emotional expressions and humorous contexts.
While Pepe started as an innocent and humorous figure, it was later co-opted by various online groups and sometimes used to spread hate speech or extremist political ideas. As a result, the character became controversial and was banned on several platforms.
Despite its complicated history, Pepe remains a symbol of internet culture—highlighting both the creativity and risks within meme-driven communities.
How to Buy PEPE Coin and Supported Exchanges
PEPE is listed on several major cryptocurrency exchanges, including:
- Binance
- KuCoin
- Kraken
- OKX
- Gate.io
- Bybit
- Huobi
To purchase PEPE, create an account on one of these platforms, complete identity verification if required, deposit funds, and then trade for PEPE.
👉 Explore trading platforms for meme tokens
Controversies and the "Dump" Incident
On August 25, blockchain investigator ZachXBT reported that PEPE’s multi-signature wallet moved tokens worth approximately $15.6 million to an external wallet. These tokens were subsequently transferred to exchanges including Binance and OKX.
Around the same time, the multi-signature requirement for executing transactions was reduced from 5 out of 8 signatures to just 2 out of 8. This unexpected change sparked panic among investors, causing the token’s price to drop more than 16% in a single day.
Founder Identity Revealed
The controversial actions of the PEPE team led to public backlash. In response, Pauly, founder of Not Larva Labs, revealed the identity of one of the project’s founders: Zachary Testa, a photographer and marketer from Arizona.
According to Pauly, Testa used project funds to purchase a luxury car worth $865,000 without compensating Matt Furie, the original artist behind Pepe the Frog. Pauly also claimed that he helped connect the PEPE team with major exchanges.
The Future of PEPE
Like most meme tokens, PEPE has no fundamental utility or inherent value. Its popularity is driven mainly by community sentiment, social trends, and speculative interest. The project’s website clearly states:
$PEPE is a meme coin with no intrinsic value or expectation of financial return. There is no formal team or roadmap. The coin is completely useless and for entertainment purposes only.
Potential investors should be aware of the high-risk, high-volatility nature of such assets.
Public Perception: PTT and Dcard Comments
Online forum users generally express caution regarding meme tokens like PEPE. Here’s what some are saying:
PTT Comments:
- “Let institutions play with altcoins; retail investors just end up cutting each other’s throats.”
- “I put money in knowing it’s a Ponzi—I just hope I’m not the last one.”
- “It’s a pure pyramid scheme.”
Dcard Comments:
- “You have to be extremely cautious.”
- “Treat it like a lottery ticket—only invest what you can afford to lose.”
Major Investor: NFT Collector Spends $1.42 Million on PEPE
On October 23, the NFT collector known as 9x9x9—founder of OpenDAO—sold $1.34 million worth of SUSHI tokens at a loss and used 851 ETH (approx. $1.42 million) to buy PEPE at an average price of $0.00000074. This purchase made them the 36th largest holder of the token.
PEPE Burns $6 Million Worth of Tokens
On October 24, the PEPE team burned 6.9 trillion tokens (worth approx. $6 million) by sending them to a dead wallet. This reduction in supply resulted in a sharp price increase of over 30% within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PEPE coin?
PEPE is a meme-inspired cryptocurrency based on the Pepe the Frog internet meme. It operates on the Ethereum blockchain and is primarily used for speculative trading and community engagement.
Is PEPE a good investment?
PEPE is a highly speculative asset with no inherent value. Its price is influenced by social media trends, influencer endorsements, and market sentiment. Only invest what you can afford to lose.
How can I safely buy PEPE?
Use well-known exchanges that list PEPE, such as Binance, OKX, or Kraken. Ensure you use secure storage—preferably a self-custody wallet—after purchase.
Who created PEPE coin?
The project was started by an anonymous team, though one individual identified is Zachary Testa. The team renounced the contract post-launch, meaning no one has control over the token’s contract.
Why was Pepe the Frog controversial?
Although originally a harmless comic character, Pepe was adopted by certain online communities to promote offensive messages, leading to its association with hate symbols in some contexts.
Can PEPE reach $1?
Given its enormous supply of 420 trillion tokens, reaching a $1 valuation is extremely unlikely without massive token burns or hyperinflationary scenarios.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are highly risky; always conduct your own research before investing.