ZEC (Zcash) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy ZEC Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Zcash’s (ZEC) historical price movements and market volatility since its inception, analyzing data across bull and bear market cycles. We evaluate the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 ZEC tokens and address the critical question: “Should I buy ZEC now?” This analysis aims to help both newcomers and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and understand growth potential.

Early Market Formation and Initial Cycles: Historical Price Overview (2017-2019)

Zcash emerged as the first blockchain system implementing zero-knowledge proof mechanisms, offering complete payment privacy while maintaining a decentralized network. According to market records, ZEC’s early trading price stood at approximately $236.14 in 2017.

The following outlines ZEC’s price performance during its initial market phases:

2017

  • Opening Price: $236.14
  • Closing Price: $467.00
  • Highest Price: $519.30
  • Lowest Price: $212.25
  • Annual Return: 97.76%

2018

  • Opening Price: $743.24
  • Closing Price: $60.10
  • Highest Price: $743.24
  • Lowest Price: $50.80
  • Annual Return: -91.91%

2019

  • Opening Price: $52.05
  • Closing Price: $30.74
  • Highest Price: $110.51
  • Lowest Price: $27.19
  • Annual Return: -40.94%

An investor who purchased 10 ZEC tokens during the early bull market in 2017 would have seen potential returns of $1,914.40 if liquidated during the 2019 market period.

Bear Market Correction and Mid-Cycle Adjustment: Risk and Recovery Analysis (2020-2023)

During this extended period, ZEC experienced significant price volatility, with the asset struggling through prolonged bearish pressures and partial recoveries. The market was influenced by broader cryptocurrency cycle dynamics and regulatory concerns surrounding privacy-focused assets.

The following illustrates potential returns for investors who purchased 10 ZEC tokens during various phases of this correction and recovery period:

  • 2020: $2,079.80
  • 2021: $1,470.60
  • 2022: $993.90
  • 2023: $2,008.10

2020

  • Opening Price: $35.51
  • Closing Price: $59.36
  • Highest Price: $91.72
  • Lowest Price: $25.74
  • Annual Return: 67.16%

2021

  • Opening Price: $96.43
  • Closing Price: $153.00
  • Highest Price: $305.26
  • Lowest Price: $85.64
  • Annual Return: 58.66%

2022

  • Opening Price: $144.10
  • Closing Price: $37.19
  • Highest Price: $210.33
  • Lowest Price: $37.19
  • Annual Return: -74.19%

2023

  • Opening Price: $42.68
  • Closing Price: $26.90
  • Highest Price: $47.87
  • Lowest Price: $24.70
  • Annual Return: -36.97%

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy ZEC Now? (2024 to Present)

ZEC has entered a dramatic recovery phase, marked by exceptional volatility and substantial price appreciation. 2024 witnessed a 164.28% annual return, while 2025 demonstrated even more pronounced gains at 957.12%, representing one of the asset’s strongest performance periods since its inception. However, 2026 has shown corrective pressures with a -36.21% annual return to date, raising questions about sustainability.

2024

  • Opening Price: $21.89
  • Closing Price: $57.85
  • Highest Price: $74.31
  • Lowest Price: $18.70
  • Annual Return: 164.28%

2025

  • Opening Price: $47.51
  • Closing Price: $502.24
  • Highest Price: $698.00
  • Lowest Price: $29.91
  • Annual Return: 957.12%

2026 (To Date)

  • Opening Price: $381.72
  • Closing Price: $243.49
  • Highest Price: $381.72
  • Lowest Price: $239.77
  • Annual Return: -36.21%

Potential returns for investors purchasing 10 ZEC tokens during this recent cycle:

  • 2024: $2,216.00
  • 2025: $1,959.80
  • 2026-Present: -$1,382.30

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through analysis of ZEC’s historical price trajectory and potential returns, a pattern of extreme volatility emerges, characterized by dramatic bull runs followed by severe corrections. The asset demonstrated exceptional growth potential during 2024-2025 but faces headwinds in 2026. Whether ZEC represents a compelling buying opportunity at current levels depends on individual risk tolerance, investment horizon, and conviction regarding privacy-focused blockchain adoption.

ZEC-5,35%
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
  • Reward
  • Comment
  • Repost
  • Share
Comment
0/400
No comments
  • Pin

Trade Crypto Anywhere Anytime
qrCode
Scan to download Gate App
Community
  • 简体中文
  • English
  • Tiếng Việt
  • 繁體中文
  • Español
  • Русский
  • Français (Afrique)
  • Português (Portugal)
  • Bahasa Indonesia
  • 日本語
  • بالعربية
  • Українська
  • Português (Brasil)