The phenomenal meme coin Pepe (PEPE) has captured significant attention in the cryptocurrency space. Launched in April 2023, PEPE is a popular memecoin built on the Ethereum blockchain. It rapidly ascended to become one of the top 100 traded crypto assets, achieving a market capitalization milestone of over US$1 billion in just three weeks—a feat that took other meme coins like Dogecoin years to accomplish. Despite its highly volatile price, the number of individual PEPE holders has continued to grow substantially.
Core Concept of PEPE
By design, PEPE explicitly states that it holds no intrinsic value. Its official website clearly notes:
“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.”
PEPE was launched in mid-April 2023 as a distinct type of meme coin. Unlike established tokens such as Dogecoin or Shiba Inu, which gained traction through celebrity endorsements and influencer promotion, PEPE draws its identity from internet meme culture, specifically the “Pepe the Frog” character.
According to its official site, PEPE was designed to be “the most memeable memecoin in existence.” It pays homage to popular tokens like SHIB, FLOKI, and DOGE through various cultural and numeric references embedded in its tokenomics.
Who Created Pepe (PEPE)?
The developers behind PEPE are anonymous—a common trait among meme coin creators. The project was launched on April 17th, 2023, with little initial promotion.
PEPE is inspired by the “Pepe the Frog” meme, originally created by artist Matt Furie in 2005. However, the PEPE token has no official affiliation with Furie or the original cartoon character. The project’s website explicitly states that it is a fan-driven initiative aimed at expanding the reach and utility of the iconic frog meme.
Blockchain and Technical Foundation
PEPE exists as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. This means that all transactions involving PEPE are processed by Ethereum's proof-of-stake validators. Users should expect to pay Ethereum gas fees when buying, selling, or transferring PEPE tokens.
The official token contract address for PEPE is:0x6982508145454ce325ddbe47a25d4ec3d2311933
Tokenomics and Distribution
PEPE has a total token supply of 420,690,000,000,000—a nod to meme numbers “420” and “69.”
- 93.1% of the tokens were allocated to liquidity pools.
- The remaining 6.9% is reserved in a multi-signature wallet for future use, tracked under the ENS name “pepecexwallet.eth.”
PEPE incorporates a deflationary mechanism: a small fraction of tokens are burned in each transaction to promote scarcity. It also uses a redistribution system where a portion of every transaction is distributed to existing token holders, encouraging long-term engagement.
As of recent data, PEPE ranks among the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, with a circulating supply of over 391 trillion tokens.
The PEPE Ecosystem
The ecosystem around PEPE continues to grow rapidly. Within weeks of its launch, the token attracted tens of thousands of holders. Official social media channels, including Telegram and Twitter, garnered hundreds of thousands of followers, reflecting strong community interest.
Currently, PEPE functions primarily as a transactional digital asset with no additional utility. However, the project’s roadmap outlines three phases of development:
- Initial Launch Phase: Focused on listings on tracking sites like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap, and expanding social media presence.
- Community Partnerships and Exchange Listings: Aimed at forming new partnerships, launching on centralized exchanges, and starting a dedicated newsletter and Discord community.
- Pepe Takeover Phase: Introduces merchandise, new tools, and the “Pepe Academy,” alongside pursuing more exchange listings and growing the holder base.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total supply of PEPE?
The maximum supply of PEPE is 420.69 trillion tokens. A significant majority was allocated to liquidity pools to support trading, while a small percentage is held in reserve.
Is PEPE associated with Matt Furie?
No. The creators explicitly state that PEPE has no affiliation with Matt Furie, the original artist behind Pepe the Frog. It is a community-driven project inspired by the meme.
How can I buy or trade PEPE?
PEPE is available on several centralized and decentralized exchanges. It is traded against major pairs like USDT and TUSD. Always ensure you are using a reputable platform and following secure trading practices.
Does PEPE have a roadmap or utility?
PEPE is presented as a fun, community-driven token with no intrinsic value or official roadmap. Its value is derived purely from market demand and community engagement.
What makes PEPE different from Dogecoin or Shiba Inu?
While all are meme coins, PEPE distinguishes itself with its deflationary tokenomics, rapid growth, and strong cultural meme references. It also operates on the Ethereum blockchain as an ERC-20 token.
Is investing in PEPE risky?
Yes. Like all meme coins, PEPE is highly speculative and volatile. The project itself emphasizes that it has no fundamental value. Investing in such assets carries significant financial risk.
Conclusion
PEPE has undeniably made a splash in the cryptocurrency world, achieving rapid market growth and attracting a large community of supporters in a very short time. While some investors have seen substantial returns, it’s important to recognize the high-risk, speculative nature of meme coins.
The project’s success hinges on cultural trends and community momentum rather than technological innovation or tangible utility. Whether PEPE sustains its relevance long-term remains to be seen. For those interested in the token, it is essential to research thoroughly, understand the risks, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.