In the fast-paced world of crypto, where meme tokens often steal the spotlight with their viral pumps, a more established player like Zcash (ZEC) just pulled off a stunning comeback. According to a recent tweet from Cointelegraph, ZEC flipped from being a low-profile relic to November's most-searched coin on Coinbase, fueled by a jaw-dropping 10x rally. This surge was driven by its 2024 halving, growth in shielded transactions, and the innovative NU6.1 funding model. But what does this mean for meme token enthusiasts? Let's break it down.

The Spark: Halving and Supply Shock

Zcash's halving event in November 2024 cut the block reward in half, from 3.125 ZEC to 1.5625 ZEC per block. This reduced the daily new supply from about 3,600 coins to roughly 1,800, creating a supply shock similar to what we've seen in Bitcoin halvings. For meme tokens, which often lack such built-in scarcity mechanics, this highlights how programmed events can ignite hype and drive prices skyward. ZEC's fixed supply cap of 21 million coins adds to its "sound money" appeal, a narrative that could inspire meme projects to incorporate similar deflationary features.

Shielded Growth: Privacy in Action

One of the standout factors was the explosion in shielded transactions. Shielded addresses in Zcash use zero-knowledge proofs—think of them as a way to verify transactions without revealing details like amounts or addresses—to provide optional privacy. Over the past year, the amount of ZEC in these shielded pools jumped from 1.7 million to about 4.5 million coins, with over 27% of the circulating supply now shielded. This isn't just speculation; it shows real user engagement.

In contrast, many meme tokens thrive on community vibes and social media buzz rather than utility. But ZEC's privacy features positioned it as a "responsible" alternative amid tightening regulations, like new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and scrutiny on mixers. When Monero faced a high-profile exploit, ZEC filled the void, proving that utility can sustain a rally beyond pure meme energy.

NU6.1: Empowering Holders

The NU6.1 upgrade, activated on November 24, 2025, introduced a holder-controlled funding model. It allocates 8% of block rewards to community grants and 12% to a fund managed by ZEC holders, giving them a say in development through the next halving in 2028. This transparent governance is a step up from many meme tokens' often opaque or founder-led structures. For meme investors, this underscores the value of community empowerment—imagine if your favorite dog-themed coin let holders vote on treasury spending.

Market Context and Meme-Like Momentum

ZEC's rally wasn't isolated. It coincided with a privacy coin revival, stricter global regs, and a shift in market sentiment. Social mentions on platforms like X and Reddit spiked, reminiscent of how meme tokens go viral. Analysts are split: some see it as a speculative blow-off top, while others view it as a genuine repricing. Coinbase data showed ZEC topping searches with around 52,000 queries, outpacing XRP and Bitcoin, and futures volume hitting nearly $10 billion on November 7.

This momentum mirrors meme token pumps, where narrative and timing are everything. ZEC climbed from the mid-$70s to over $700 before correcting 30%, delivering over 1,000% gains in the fall. It's a reminder that even "legacy" coins can capture retail attention when the story aligns.

Lessons for Meme Token Traders

So, what can meme token investors take away? First, scarcity events like halvings can supercharge hype—consider projects with token burns or limited supplies. Second, real utility, like privacy, can provide staying power beyond the initial pump. Third, governance matters; empowering your community builds loyalty and resilience.

Zcash's story shows that crypto markets love a good comeback, much like underdog memes that explode out of nowhere. Whether ZEC holds its gains or corrects further, it's a case study in how fundamentals and narrative can blend for massive upside.

For more details, check out the original Cointelegraph tweet and their full article. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more insights on how traditional crypto trends intersect with the wild world of memes.