Since its inception in 2016, Ethereum Classic (ETC) has experienced significant price fluctuations, reflecting both its development and the volatility of the cryptocurrency market. ETC originated as a hard fork of Ethereum (ETH) after the infamous DAO hack, with the community choosing to retain the original blockchain.

In its early days, ETC was trading at low prices, often overshadowed by Ethereum, its more prominent sibling. The price started to gain traction as Ethereum Classic established itself as a unique entity, focusing on immutability and decentralization. Major price surges were seen during the crypto boom of 2017, when ETC price followed the broader market, reaching an all-time high near $47.

The subsequent bear market saw prices fall, but ETC managed to maintain relevance, with prices fluctuating between $5 and $15 for much of 2018-2020. With the market recovery in 2021, ETC hit a new peak above $175 in May, driven by renewed interest in decentralized platforms.

As of 2024, ETC’s price reflects its steady progress in terms of security upgrades and developer adoption. Though its prices remain more volatile than traditional assets, Ethereum Classic has proven resilient, with potential for long-term growth as its ecosystem matures.