The Evolution of Meme Coins: From Dogecoin to PNUT
From a joke to a global trend, meme coins have turned heads in the crypto space transforming playful ideas into profitable ventures.
But where did meme coins come from, and why are they now a movement worth watching? Join us on Day 4 of our 75-Day Challenge as we dive into the history of meme coins and the big names that shaped this fast-growing niche
1. Dogecoin (DOGE) – The Original Meme Coin
Launch Year: 2013
Dogecoin, created by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, was born as a joke to make fun of the cryptocurrency hype.
The coin features the Shiba Inu “Doge” meme, which quickly attracted a fun-loving community.
Dogecoin’s success was fueled by its light-hearted approach, friendly community, and later endorsements from Elon Musk, who frequently tweeted about it. Over time, Dogecoin’s value surged, proving that a meme coin could create a real movement and inspire the creation of countless other meme coins.
2. Shiba Inu (SHIB) – The “Doge Killer”
Launch Year: 2020
Shiba Inu entered the scene as a direct competitor to Dogecoin, even branding itself as the “Doge Killer.” Unlike Dogecoin, which operates as a standalone coin, Shiba Inu is based on Ethereum, allowing it to leverage Ethereum’s robust ecosystem.
Shiba Inu rapidly gained popularity by building a passionate community, getting listed on major exchanges, and creating an “ecosystem” that includes decentralized exchanges and NFTs. SHIB’s success proved that meme coins could hold their own as valuable assets with significant community support.
3. Baby Doge Coin – A Fresh Twist on Dogecoin
Launch Year: 2021
Baby Doge Coin took the Dogecoin theme and added its own spin. With a mission to spread kindness and make cryptocurrency accessible, Baby Doge appealed to both Dogecoin fans and those new to crypto. Baby Doge also introduced unique tokenomics, which reward holders and burn supply over time, increasing scarcity. This charity-focused meme coin attracted a dedicated fan base by positioning itself as a fun and rewarding community-driven project.
4. Pepe (PEPE) – Expanding the Meme Coin Horizon
Launch Year: 2021
Breaking away from dog-themed coins, Pepe Coin tapped into the popularity of the iconic “Pepe the Frog” internet meme. Pepe Coin showed that meme coins didn’t have to be limited to one theme and could appeal to broader internet culture. This expansion of meme coins beyond dogs opened up the space for creativity and diversification, as seen in later coins inspired by different memes and themes.
5. Floki (FLOKI) – Inspired by Elon Musk’s Dog
Launch Year: 2021
Named after Elon Musk’s Shiba Inu, Floki Coin capitalized on Musk’s influence and quickly gained traction. Floki aims to differentiate itself by building utility within its ecosystem, which includes plans for a play-to-earn NFT gaming metaverse and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. By combining Musk’s popularity with ambitious goals, Floki has grown into a major player among meme coins, blending meme culture with real-world utility.
6. Brett (BRETT) – Building a Unique Community
Launch Year: 2021
Brett Coin, though lesser-known, found success by creating a distinct identity and fostering a dedicated community.
Brett leveraged its quirky branding to appeal to niche audiences, proving that even lesser-known meme coins could succeed by tapping into specific interests and creating tight-knit communities. Brett’s journey underscores the power of community in the meme coin world.
7. Book of MEME – A Tribute to Meme Culture
Launch Year: 2021
Book of MEME took a nostalgic approach, celebrating internet meme culture as a whole. It aimed to capture the essence of internet history and bring meme enthusiasts together. Book of MEME appealed to people who were interested in the evolution of memes and appreciated the humorous roots of the meme coin industry. It highlights how meme coins can bring together communities based on shared cultural experiences.
8. BONK – Anti-Institutional, Community-Focused
Launch Year: 2021
BONK Coin made waves with its anti-establishment messaging and a focus on creating a coin for the people. It attracted investors who were tired of the traditional financial system and saw meme coins as a way to democratize wealth. With its bold branding, BONK Coin stood out as a symbol of defiance against institutional control, tapping into the rebellious spirit of the crypto community.
9. Dogs (DOGS) – Creating a Pack Community
Launch Year: 2021
Dogs Coin continued the theme of dog-related meme coins but with a focus on creating a collective identity.
It marketed itself as a “pack” coin, building a community around the idea of unity and camaraderie.
This coin attracted people looking for a sense of belonging and connection, making it more than just an investment but a social experience as well.
10. Popcat – A Meme Coin for Cat Lovers
Launch Year: 2021
Popcat introduced a twist by focusing on a viral internet cat meme rather than dogs. Popcat showed that meme coins could draw on different aspects of internet culture, appealing to a different audience and proving that the meme coin trend could extend beyond one specific theme. Popcat’s popularity illustrated that creativity in branding could attract diverse investors.
11. Mog Coin – Another Animal-Inspired Meme Coin
Launch Year: 2021
Mog Coin added another dimension to animal-themed meme coins by focusing on unique branding and community engagement.
Mog demonstrated the flexibility of meme coins in appealing to a wide range of interests within the crypto space. By exploring new themes, Mog Coin kept the meme coin landscape fresh and engaging for investors.
12. PNUT – A New Entrant with Fresh Potential
Launch Year: 2024
As one of the latest entrants, PNUT launched in 2024 and quickly captured attention. With new ideas and a focus on community engagement, PNUT represents the ongoing growth and innovation in the meme coin space. PNUT’s arrival shows that meme coins are far from over, as fresh projects continue to push the boundaries and keep the excitement alive.
Wrapping Up: Why Now is the Time to Dive Into Meme Coins
The meme coin world is expanding rapidly, with new projects launching daily and communities growing stronger than ever. If you’re interested in joining the wave, our 75-Day Challenge is your ultimate guide to understanding the meme coin market from all angles.
From historical insights to strategic trading tips, this series has everything you need to get a leg up in this fast-paced market.
Catch up with the next post in our series for more in-depth knowledge on meme coins, or watch our 1-minute YouTube Short below for today’s quick overview of the history and key players in this space!
