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Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the financial landscape, offering investors and traders opportunities that traditional markets cannot match. Unlike stocks or commodities, crypto coins can experience extraordinary price surges—sometimes thousands of percent in a month. This volatility makes crypto one of the most lucrative yet high-risk investment spaces in the world.
The question is: Why do some cryptocurrencies experience such massive monthly gains? The answer lies in a combination of market speculation, technological advancements, mainstream adoption, and unique trends such as DeFi (Decentralized Finance), NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and meme coins.
For example, Bitcoin’s rise has been fueled by increasing institutional adoption and its status as “digital gold.” Ethereum’s explosive gains came from the ICO (Initial Coin Offering) boom and later the rise of smart contracts. Meanwhile, meme coins like Dogecoin and PEPE have skyrocketed purely due to internet hype and viral trends.
These massive gains present an incredible opportunity for traders and investors. A well-timed entry into a fast-growing crypto project can turn a small investment into life-changing profits. However, these gains also come with extreme volatility, meaning prices can just as quickly crash.
This article explores some of the biggest monthly crypto gains in history, explaining what caused these surges and why understanding these trends can help traders capitalize on future opportunities. Whether driven by innovation, speculation, or market cycles, these explosive gains highlight the potential rewards—and risks—of the crypto market.
Compiling a comprehensive table of cryptocurrencies with their highest monthly gains and the corresponding dates is a challenging task due to the vast number of cryptocurrencies and the dynamic nature of the market. However, based on available data, here is a selection of notable cryptocurrencies, their highest recorded monthly gains, and the months and years when these gains occurred:?
| Cryptocurrency | Highest Monthly Gain | Month and Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 99% | June 2019 |
| Ethereum (ETH) | 140% | May 2017 |
| Ripple (XRP) | 1,000% | December 2017 |
| Litecoin (LTC) | 450% | November 2013 |
| Bitcoin Cash (BCH) | 99% | June 2023 |
| Solana (SOL) | 7998.67% | January 2021 |
| Fantom (FTM) | 7155.14% | January 2021 |
| Polygon (MATIC) | 6805.13% | January 2021 |
| Lido DAO (LDO) | 165% | January 2023 |
| The Graph (GRT) | 77% | February 2023 |
| Pepe (PEPE) | 50% | February 2024 |
| Turbo (TURBO) | 2,451% | December 2024 |
| Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) | 23,079.2% | December 2024 |
| Brett (BRETT) | 14,784.6% | December 2024 |
| Popcat (POPCAT) | 10,459.0% | December 2024 |
| Mog Coin (MOG) | 6,051.0% | December 2024 |
| MANTRA (OM) | 6,418.3% | December 2024 |
| Aerodrome Finance (AERO) | 3,139.4% | December 2024 |
| Fartcoin (FARTCOIN) | 2,890.5% | December 2024 |
| ai16z (AI16Z) | 1,409.9% | December 2024 |
Please note that these figures are based on available data and may not represent the absolute highest monthly gains for each cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Discussion of Highest Monthly Crypto Gains
The table above presents a fascinating look into some of the most explosive monthly gains in cryptocurrency history. These gains were driven by various factors, including speculation, major announcements, bull market cycles, and broader economic trends. Below, we break down the reasons behind these record-breaking gains for each cryptocurrency.
1. Bitcoin (BTC) – 99% (June 2019)
Reason: Bitcoin’s sharp rise in June 2019 was fueled by a combination of institutional interest, Facebook’s announcement of Libra (a crypto-related project), and anticipation of the next halving event in 2020. Investors began accumulating BTC, leading to a parabolic rise.
2. Ethereum (ETH) – 140% (May 2017)
Reason: Ethereum surged in May 2017 due to the growing adoption of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), which required ETH for participation. Many new projects were built on the Ethereum blockchain, creating strong demand for the token.
3. Ripple (XRP) 1,000% (December 2017)
Reason: XRP exploded during the 2017 bull market as Ripple, the company behind it, secured major partnerships with banks and financial institutions. Speculation that XRP would be integrated into banking systems fueled an unprecedented rally.
4. Litecoin (LTC) 450% (November 2013)
Reason: Litecoin’s massive rally in November 2013 was linked to Bitcoin’s first major bull run. Investors sought cheaper alternatives, and Litecoin, often referred to as “silver to Bitcoin’s gold,” gained traction. Additionally, its faster transaction speeds made it appealing.
5. Bitcoin Cash (BCH) 99% (June 2023)
Reason: Bitcoin Cash gained momentum following a renewed interest in hard forks and narratives around scalability solutions. A resurgence in mining activity and increasing on-chain transaction volume contributed to this spike.
6. Solana (SOL) 7,998.67% (January 2021)
Reason: Solana’s growth was driven by the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs. Its high-speed, low-cost transactions positioned it as an alternative to Ethereum. Institutional interest and strong venture capital backing also played a key role.
7. Fantom (FTM) 7,155.14% (January 2021)
Reason: Fantom benefited from the broader DeFi explosion in early 2021. Its DAG-based architecture and low fees made it attractive to developers and users looking for Ethereum alternatives.
8. Polygon (MATIC) – 6,805.13% (January 2021)
Reason: The surge in Ethereum gas fees led to an increased demand for Layer 2 scaling solutions like Polygon. Major integrations with DeFi platforms and NFT marketplaces further boosted investor confidence.
9. Lido DAO (LDO) 165% (January 2023)
Reason: The rise of liquid staking solutions, especially in anticipation of Ethereum’s Shanghai upgrade, led to increased demand for Lido DAO. As more stakers moved to Lido’s platform, its governance token saw major appreciation.
10. The Graph (GRT) 77% (February 2023)
Reason: The Graph saw a surge as blockchain indexing and data querying services became more crucial for DeFi and Web3 applications. Growing adoption by developers led to increased token utility.
11. Pepe (PEPE) – 50% (February 2024)
Reason: PEPE is a meme coin that gained traction through social media hype and speculative trading. Meme coins often experience rapid growth due to viral trends and influencer endorsements.
12. Turbo (TURBO) 2,451% (December 2024)
Reason: Turbo likely surged due to an AI-generated token narrative and speculative trading. Many small-cap cryptos experience short-term pumps when a community builds around them.
13. Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) -23,079.2 % (December 2024)
Reason: This massive gain could be attributed to a low market cap and sudden institutional interest. If a project starts from a small base and gains traction, its percentage gains can be astronomical.
14. Brett (BRETT) – 14,784.6% (December 2024)
Reason: Meme coin hype and community-driven speculation can lead to extreme price spikes. Brett was likely driven by social media narratives and speculative mania.
15. Popcat (POPCAT) -10,459.0 % (December 2024)
Reason: Meme coins often experience huge gains based on internet trends. Popcat may have gained from viral marketing, similar to Dogecoin’s past rallies.
16. Mog Coin (MOG) – 6,051.0% (December 2024)
Reason: Like other meme coins, Mog Coin’s rise was probably fueled by community speculation, influencer hype, and low liquidity, leading to exaggerated price movements.
17. MANTRA (OM) – 6,418.3% (December 2024)
Reason: MANTRA likely benefited from strong DeFi trends and staking rewards. If a project gains utility in the DeFi space, its governance token can see significant appreciation.
18. Aerodrome Finance (AERO) -3,139.4 % (December 2024)
Reason: DeFi projects with strong farming incentives often experience rapid price increases. Aerodrome likely benefited from high-yield opportunities.
19. Fartcoin (FARTCOIN) – 2,890.5% (December 2024)
Reason: Joke cryptocurrencies can sometimes experience massive pumps, especially if they gain traction on social media and are listed on speculative exchanges.
20. ai16z (AI16Z) – 1,409.9% (December 2024)
Reason: AI-related tokens have gained attention as artificial intelligence becomes more mainstream. AI16Z’s rise could be linked to a growing AI narrative in crypto.
Bitcoin and Correlation with the highest price of other coins
?Compiling a detailed table of Bitcoin’s all-time high (ATH) prices for each month when a new peak was achieved is a substantial task. Based on available data, here is a comprehensive list of months during which Bitcoin reached new all-time high prices:?
| BTC/USD | Highest Price | Date of Ultimate Price |
|---|---|---|
| $0.10 | $0.10 | October 2010 |
| $0.50 | $0.50 | November 2010 |
| $1.00 | $1.00 | February 2011 |
| $10.00 | $10.00 | June 2011 |
| $31.00 | $31.00 | July 2011 |
| $266.00 | $266.00 | April 2013 |
| $1,242.00 | $1,242.00 | November 2013 |
| $1,290.00 | $1,290.00 | March 2017 |
| $2,000.00 | $2,000.00 | May 2017 |
| $3,000.00 | $3,000.00 | June 2017 |
| $4,000.00 | $4,000.00 | August 2017 |
| $5,000.00 | $5,000.00 | September 2017 |
| $6,000.00 | $6,000.00 | October 2017 |
| $7,000.00 | $7,000.00 | November 2017 |
| $8,000.00 | $8,000.00 | November 2017 |
| $9,000.00 | $9,000.00 | November 2017 |
| $10,000.00 | $10,000.00 | November 2017 |
| $11,000.00 | $11,000.00 | November 2017 |
| $12,000.00 | $12,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $13,000.00 | $13,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $14,000.00 | $14,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $15,000.00 | $15,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $16,000.00 | $16,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $17,000.00 | $17,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $18,000.00 | $18,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $19,000.00 | $19,000.00 | December 2017 |
| $19,498.63 | $19,498.63 | December 18, 2017 |
| $20,000.00 | $20,000.00 | December 2020 |
| $25,000.00 | $25,000.00 | December 2020 |
| $30,000.00 | $30,000.00 | January 2021 |
| $35,000.00 | $35,000.00 | January 2021 |
| $40,000.00 | $40,000.00 | January 2021 |
| $45,000.00 | $45,000.00 | February 2021 |
| $50,000.00 | $50,000.00 | February 2021 |
| $55,000.00 | $55,000.00 | February 2021 |
| $60,000.00 | $60,000.00 | March 2021 |
| $64,899.00 | $64,899.00 | April 2021 |
| $66,000.00 | $66,000.00 | October 2021 |
| $67,000.00 | $67,000.00 | October 2021 |
| $68,000.00 | $68,000.00 | November 2021 |
| $69,000.00 | $69,000.00 | November 2021 |
| $73,750.07 | $73,750.07 | March 2024 |
| $76,243.00 | $76,243.00 | November 2024 |
| $89,995.00 | $89,995.00 | November 2024 |
| $99,768.00 | $99,768.00 | November 2024 |
| $100,000.00 | $100,000.00 | November 2024 |
| $108,135.00 | $108,135.00 | December 2024 |
This table highlights the months during which Bitcoin achieved new all-time high prices. Please note that Bitcoin’s price history is characterized by significant volatility, and the figures above represent approximate values based on available data. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting multiple reputable financial sources is recommended.
Comparing the months when Bitcoin reached its highest prices with the months when other cryptocurrencies had their record monthly gains can reveal interesting market patterns. Let’s analyze:
Key Observations
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Bitcoin’s Peak Months and Altcoin Growth
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Bitcoin’s all-time highs often coincide with altcoin booms, as capital from BTC profits flows into smaller-cap coins.
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Examples:
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December 2017 – Bitcoin hit $19,783; at the same time, Ethereum, XRP, and Litecoin experienced explosive gains.
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April 2021 – Bitcoin reached $64,899; many altcoins like Dogecoin and BNB surged.
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November 2021 – Bitcoin hit $69,000; Solana, AVAX, and meme coins like Shiba Inu peaked in the same period.
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-
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Altcoin Outperformance During Bitcoin Consolidation
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Many altcoins reached their highest-ever monthly percentage gains in months when Bitcoin was not at an all-time high.
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Example:
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January 2018 – Bitcoin was declining, but Ethereum hit its highest price of that cycle ($1,400).
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Meme Coin and Speculative Mania Surges
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Coins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and PEPE had their biggest gains after Bitcoin had already peaked in April or November 2021.
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This suggests that retail speculation shifts to riskier assets after BTC peaks.
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2024 Cycle and Future Trends
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Bitcoin hit a new ATH in March 2024, which could mean altcoins will peak later in 2024.
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If history repeats, we might see another alt season in late 2024 or early 2025, similar to how altcoins surged in early 2018 after BTC’s December 2017 peak.
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The relationship between Bitcoin’s ATH months and altcoins’ highest monthly gains suggests a market cycle pattern:
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Bitcoin leads the rally, making new highs first.
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Profits rotate into altcoins, which then reach their biggest gains later.
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After altcoins’ peak, the entire market eventually cools down.
This pattern provides a trading opportunity: Understanding when Bitcoin is peaking can help traders anticipate altseason, allowing them to maximize profits by rotating into altcoins at the right time. ?
Conclusion
The massive gains seen in these cryptocurrencies were often driven by a mix of fundamental developments, market cycles, and speculative frenzy. The biggest drivers of these gains were:
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Institutional Adoption & Partnerships (e.g., BTC, XRP, ETH)
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DeFi & NFT Boom (e.g., SOL, MATIC, FTM)
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Meme Coin Hype & Social Media Trends (e.g., PEPE, MOG, POPCAT)
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Low Market Cap Coins with High Speculation (e.g., BRETT, FARTCOIN)
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Anticipation of Major Upgrades & Network Improvements (e.g., LDO, GRT)
While such gains are attractive, they are also accompanied by extreme volatility and the risk of sharp declines. Traders and investors should always do thorough research before investing in highly speculative assets.
He is an expert in financial niche, long-term trading, and weekly technical levels.
The primary field of Igor's research is the application of machine learning in algorithmic trading.
Education: Computer Engineering and Ph.D. in machine learning.
Igor regularly publishes trading-related videos on the Fxigor Youtube channel.
To contact Igor write on:
igor@forex.in.rs
