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Eth's remarkable surge to $4,868: what happened in 2021?

Ethereum Hits $4,868 in 2021 | Unfazed by Institutional Demand

By

Alexandra West

Aug 13, 2025, 09:35 AM

Edited By

Sofia Chen

2 minutes estimated to read

Graph showing the rise of Ethereum prices in 2021, highlighting the peak at $4,868 with annotations for major market events.
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In an explosive rise, Ethereum reached $4,868 in 2021, even without significant ETFs buying billions weekly. This surge occurred during a time when the crypto market was bustling with activity, raising eyebrows about its potential future.

Background on Ethereum's Surge

The climb to nearly $4,900 was fueled by various factors, including increased demand for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). The implication is obvious: Ethereum's infrastructure sparked interest independent of traditional investment vehicles.

Curiously, some commenters noted that the price jumped significantly during a Proof of Work (PoW) phase, stating, "It was also pow during this time." This raises questions about the sustainability of such growth as Ethereum transitions to Proof of Stake (PoS).

User Reactions and Concerns

The discourse surrounding Ethereum's price is vibrant across various forums. Users expressed a mix of optimism and caution regarding the future of crypto. One comment emphasized inflation, predicting, "That’s $5800 today with inflation." Such sentiments highlight concern over the purchasing power of digital currencies amidst economic fluctuations.

Safety First: Forum Guidelines

Yet, safety remains a sticky issue within crypto circles. A user inquired about account security, warning others against sharing personal information on public forums, emphasizing the importance of dealing with verified staff only. "You should only trust verified Coinbase staff," is advice reflected by many in the community.

Key Insights

  • πŸš€ Ethereum peaked at $4,868, signaling robust decentralized finance interest.

  • ⚠️ Users emphasize account security amidst rapid market changes.

  • πŸ”Ž "That’s $5800 today with inflation" suggests existing price concerns.

What's Next for Ethereum?

As Ethereum faces its transition and broader institutional involvement looms, the crypto community holds its breath. Many wonder if such price spikes can continue without the backing of ETFs. Can Ethereum sustain its momentum in an evolving landscape? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Ethereum?

As Ethereum continues to evolve, there’s a strong possibility we might see further price fluctuations. Analysts suggest that if the demand for DeFi and NFTs remains robust, Ethereum could stabilize around $4,500 to $5,200 by mid-2025. With more mainstream adoption and a growing number of institutional players entering the scene, the chances for sustained price growth increase significantly. Conversely, potential regulatory hurdles or technical challenges could hinder this momentum, with experts estimating a 30% chance of a pullback if market conditions shift unfavorably.

A Historical Echo in Digital Currency

Interestingly, Ethereum’s rise draws a parallel to the dot-com boom of the late 1990s. Just as tech companies skyrocketed in valuation without established revenue models, Ethereum's current growth mirrors that sentiment. In both cases, speculative fervor fueled rapid expansions, often detached from traditional financial metrics. Just as many tech firms of that era either adapted and thrived or faltered, the crypto landscape may witness similar outcomes. Thus, Ethereum’s journey might not only redefine digital currencies but also serve as a reminder that innovation often dances hand-in-hand with risk.