From a $2.1 Million CryptoPunk to an $88,000 Cheeto: This Week in Collecting

March 9, 2025

The collectibles market continues to surprise and excite with record-breaking sales, innovative launches, and media crossovers that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Here's a roundup of the most notable events in the collecting world this week.

1. 'Cheetozard': The $88,000 Pokémon-Shaped Cheeto

In an unexpected twist, a Flamin' Hot Cheeto resembling Charizard, the iconic fire-breathing Pokémon, sold at auction for an astounding $87,840.

Discovered between 2018 and 2022 by 1st & Goal Collectibles in Georgia, the three-inch-long snack gained viral attention on social media in late 2024. Dubbed 'Cheetozard,' it was mounted on a custom Pokémon card and encased in a clear storage box for preservation. The auction, hosted by Goldin Auctions, began with a $250 starting bid and escalated to the final price after 60 bids.

2. CryptoPunk #4464 Sells for Over $2.1 Million

The digital collectibles market witnessed a significant transaction as CryptoPunk #4464 changed hands for 1,011 ETH ($2,183,749.88). This sale underscores the enduring value of blue-chip NFTs in the evolving Web3 landscape.​

CryptoPunk #4464 is a rare Ape Punk, a highly coveted trait within the collection. Despite fluctuations in the NFT market, this sale highlights the strong demand for top-tier digital assets among high-net-worth collectors and investors.​

3. VeVe Launches the VeVeverse: The Future of Digital Collecting

VeVe, a leading digital collectible platform, has unveiled the VeVeverse—a metaverse space where collectors can display and interact with their digital assets. This development marks a significant milestone in NFT collecting, offering users a more immersive and social experience.​

Collectors can now showcase their digital collectibles in customizable virtual galleries, interact with other users, and attend exclusive virtual events. With major licensing deals involving brands like Disney, Marvel, and DC, the VeVeverse is poised to revolutionize the digital collecting space. Early adopters are already experiencing increased engagement in their digital showrooms, potentially boosting the value of high-demand VeVe NFTs.​

4. 'Daredevil: Born Again' Receives Rave Reviews—Key Comics to Watch

Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again premiered on Disney+ on March 4, 2025, to critical acclaim. Reviewers are lauding the series for its darker tone, compelling performances, and intricate storytelling, bringing renewed attention to the Daredevil franchise.​

This resurgence has impacted the comic book market, with key issues experiencing increased demand:​

• Daredevil #1 (1964): The debut of Matt Murdock as Daredevil, a Silver Age essential for collectors.​

• Daredevil #168 (1981): Introduction of Elektra, a pivotal character in Daredevil's narrative.​

• Daredevil #181 (1982): The notable death of Elektra, a storyline that deeply influenced Daredevil's character arc.​

• Daredevil #25 (2020): Elektra's first appearance as Daredevil, an issue that has seen recent value increases.​

As the series continues to capture audience interest, these comics are expected to appreciate further in value.​

5. Disney Unveils Limited Edition Mara Jade Lightsaber

In a treat for Star Wars aficionados, Disney announced the release of a limited-edition lightsaber hilt belonging to Mara Jade, a cherished character from the Star Wars Legends universe.​

Introduced in Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire novel, Mara Jade was a former Emperor’s Hand who later became Luke Skywalker’s wife in the now non-canon Expanded Universe. Despite her absence from mainstream Star Wars media, her fanbase remains robust.​

The Mara Jade lightsaber will be available in limited quantities at Disney Parks and online via shopDisney. Collectors who acquire one will possess a coveted item, especially if Mara Jade is ever integrated into the official Star Wars canon.​

6. Lil Pudgys Animated Series Officially in Development

Pudgy Penguins, a prominent NFT project, is expanding into mainstream media with a Lil Pudgys animated series. This move aligns with a trend of NFT collections branching into television and merchandise, similar to ventures by the Bored Ape Yacht Club.​

While details about the plot and production team are limited, the announcement has already heightened interest in the Lil Pudgys NFT collection. As more NFT projects transition into traditional entertainment, holders of these assets may see significant value appreciation.​

7. VeeFriends and Topps Chrome Collaborate on Trading Card Release in April

VeeFriends, the NFT initiative by entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, is making headlines with a collaboration with Topps Chrome to release a special edition set of trading cards in April 2025.​

This partnership bridges the digital and physical collecting worlds, introducing iconic VeeFriends characters to a broader audience. Given the rapid sell-out of previous VeeFriends trading cards, this upcoming release is anticipated to be highly sought after.​

Final Thoughts

From unconventional collectibles like the 'Cheetozard' to groundbreaking developments in digital assets and media integrations, this week underscores the dynamic nature of the collecting world. Whether you're investing in rare snacks, exploring the VeVeverse, or monitoring the latest NFT-to-mainstream transitions, there's never been a more thrilling time to be a collector.​

Stay tuned for next week's update, and don't forget to subscribe to NerdCave77 for all the latest collecting news!