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What made 2017's surviving coins thrive?

Coins from 2017 | Survivors vs. Vanished Projects

By

Michael Petrov

Jun 11, 2026, 06:44 PM

Edited By

Sarah Johnson

3 minutes reading time

A visual representation of top surviving cryptocurrencies from 2017, highlighting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Chainlink. The coins are shown thriving amidst a backdrop symbolizing growth and development in...

A recent examination of the 2017 crypto boom reveals critical differences between coins that survived subsequent downturns and those that failed. As the crypto market shifts, many are asking which projects are actually built to last.

Examination of the Crypto Graveyard

In 2017, countless cryptocurrencies surged in value, buoyed by hype and whitepapers that promised much but delivered little. As the market transitioned into a bear cycle, many of these projects disappeared, leaving behind a graveyard of failed coins. The common theme among the survivors? Continuous development, even when public attention waned.

"To survive in this market, projects need more than just a narrative; they need to keep building," one seasoned observer stated.

Lessons from Successful Coins

Notably, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP managed to thrive through critical periods due to ongoing development and user engagement.

Nexo also exemplifies resilience, as it launched during a harsh bear market, maintaining a steady development pace. Chainlink stands out as well, overcoming skepticism by steadily expanding its integration within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

Key Factors Affecting Survival

A series of comments from crypto enthusiasts emphasize the factors that dictate whether a project thrives or dies:

  • Liquidity and Developer Continuity: Projects that maintained access to funds and ongoing development were more likely to endure.

  • Access to Exchanges: Surviving coins had established presence on multiple exchanges, allowing for broader access.

  • Community Support: While hype can initially drive interest, continuous community backing proved vital during downturns.

"The survivors usually had more than a narrative," a commenter noted.

Timing and Resilience

Several users pointed out that timing plays a significant role. Even strong, well-run projects have fallen prey to market conditions, especially when funding runs out before mainstream adoption arrives. One user highlighted their experience with a certain coin:

"I kept adding to my position because it generates real revenue; most altcoins canโ€™t say that."

Takeaways for the Current Market

  • ๐Ÿ” Survivors maintained liquidity and long-term vision

  • โš ๏ธ Fallout often resulted from poor timing and lack of funding

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Community and market access are crucial for longevity

As investors navigate the current landscape, it's clear that not all coins are created equal. Understanding what made the stars of 2017 shineโ€”and what caused so many to fallโ€”can offer insights for today's crypto enthusiasts. The market may be painful to watch in real-time, but informed decisions can help mitigate risks in the next cycle.

The Road Ahead for Crypto Investments

In the coming months, analysts predict a shift in the landscape for cryptocurrencies. There's a strong chance that attention will pivot towards projects that prioritize practical applications and robust community engagement, with approximately 60% of experts believing that these factors lead to better investment outcomes. As regulations continue to tighten, projects that can adapt quickly to these changes stand to gain. Additionally, investments in coins with sustained liquidity may increase, as experienced investors remember the lessons from past downturns. Itโ€™s likely that a few projects will gain notable traction, particularly those that leverage existing infrastructure designed for real-world use cases.

Echoes from the Dot-Com Bubble

Reflecting on the early 2000s tech boom, one can draw a surprising parallel to todayโ€™s crypto scene. Much like the companies that splashed onto the internet stage without sustainable business modelsโ€”think of pets.com and its meteoric rise followed by a swift fallโ€”many cryptocurrency projects thrived on hype alone. The tech companies that survived, however, showcased real value and utility, just as todayโ€™s successful cryptocurrencies must do. The lesson is clear: true worth often takes years to validate, but those that persist through the noise and focus on substance rather than flash have a much stronger chance of enduring the tests of time.