If you're into meme tokens, you've probably heard of PEPE—the frog-inspired coin that's been hopping around the crypto scene since 2023. Recently, BSCNews dropped a tweet that's got everyone talking: "Is Ethereum memecoin OG @pepecoineth going to shock the industry in Q4 2025...?" They linked to their in-depth guide, and we at Meme Insider thought it'd be perfect to break it down for you. Let's explore what makes PEPE tick, its rocky past, and whether it still has that meme magic.

The Origins of PEPE: From Comic Strip to Crypto Sensation

PEPE kicked off in April 2023 on the Ethereum blockchain. It's based on the famous "Pepe the Frog" meme from Matt Furie's 2005 comic, Boy's Club. Unlike some tokens that promise the moon with fancy utilities or roadmaps, PEPE keeps it real—or rather, surreal. Its official website (pepe.vip) even jokes about having a meaningless roadmap. That's the beauty of memecoins: they're all about community vibe and cultural nostalgia.

Right out of the gate, PEPE exploded. Within a month, its market cap hit nearly $1.5 billion. After some ups and downs, it surged to $6.5 billion in early 2024 and has hovered above $2.5 billion since. As of September 2025, it's sitting pretty at over $4 billion, ranking #31 on CoinMarketCap—beating out serious players like NEAR and APT.

That Controversial "Hack" in 2023: What Really Happened?

No meme token story is complete without drama. In August 2023, things got spicy when three ex-team members dipped into the project's treasury wallet and "stole" 16 trillion PEPE tokens—worth about $15 million at the time (and a whopping $155 million now). They dumped most of it on exchanges like Binance and OKX.

The official PEPE account on X clarified it wasn't a traditional hack; the wallet was secure afterward, and control was handed back to the remaining team. You can check the original announcement here. Incidents like this highlight the risks in decentralized projects, but PEPE bounced back, proving its community's resilience.

Tokenomics Breakdown: Supply, Holders, and Whales

Let's get technical—but keep it simple. PEPE has a total supply of about 423 trillion tokens. That's a huge number, but it's fixed, meaning no more can be minted. Over 481,000 unique wallets hold some PEPE, showing solid distribution.

However, watch out for whales: 13 wallets control more than 1% each. This includes exchange addresses, a burn wallet with nearly 7 trillion tokens (permanently removed from circulation), and five mystery whales holding about 10.66% of the supply—around $440 million worth. Big holders can sway prices, so always check tools like Etherscan (etherscan.io) for the latest.

Where to Buy PEPE and How to Get Started

Want in? PEPE is easy to grab. It's listed on big centralized exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and Bybit. For a decentralized option, head to Uniswap (learn more about Uniswap here), where you can swap ETH for PEPE directly.

Remember, memecoins like this are volatile. Set up a wallet like MetaMask, fund it with ETH, and you're good to go. But always double-check fees—Ethereum gas can bite!

PEPE's Future: Shock Value in 2025 and Beyond?

Now, the big question from the BSCNews tweet: Could PEPE shock us in Q4 2025? With a $4 billion market cap, massive growth like 100x is unlikely—it'd need to hit $400 billion, dwarfing even Bitcoin's peaks. It's already on most major exchanges, so no big listing pumps expected.

That said, PEPE thrives on memecoin hype. If the sector booms (think Ethereum upgrades or broader bull runs), PEPE could ride the wave as a top-3 memecoin behind DOGE and SHIB. Its lack of utility means it's pure speculation, but that's what makes memes fun—and risky.

Wrapping It Up: Is PEPE Worth the Hype?

PEPE's journey from a silly frog meme to a multi-billion-dollar asset shows the wild side of crypto. It's got no real-world use, but its community and cultural roots keep it alive. If you're eyeing it for 2025, do your homework, invest wisely, and never risk more than you can lose. For the full scoop, check out BSCNews' guide here.

Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more on meme tokens like PEPE—we're your go-to for the latest buzz and deep dives in the blockchain world. What do you think: Will PEPE hop to new highs? Drop your thoughts below!