NFT Buyers May Have Fallen Below 200,000 in First Week of September as Weekly Sales Drop; Base Adoption Could Be Factor

• Weekly NFT volume fell to $91.96M (Sept. 1–7), the lowest since mid‑June.

• Unique NFT buyers declined 58% from 487,264 (mid‑June) to 199,821 last week.

• Average sale price dropped to $72, down from $104 in August; transaction count held at 1.27M.

NFT sales decline: Weekly volume dropped to $91.96M and unique NFT buyers fell 58% to 199,821 (Sept 1–7). Read analysis and key takeaways.

The number of unique NFT buyers fell below 200,000 in the first week of September, reaching 199,821 — a 58% decline from roughly 487,264 in mid‑June, according to CryptoSlam data.

Non‑fungible token (NFT) sales volume dropped to $91.96 million in the week of Sept. 1–7, marking the lowest weekly total since mid‑June. This decrease contrasts with strong momentum through July and August when weekly totals stayed above $115 million.

Between July 21–27, digital collectibles recorded approximately $170 million in weekly sales, the third‑highest weekly tally this year. Only mid‑January weeks exceeded that level, underscoring a notable summer rally that has now cooled.

What caused the recent drop in NFT sales volume?

The primary driver of the NFT sales decline was a sharp reduction in active buyers. Unique NFT buyers fell to 199,821 (Sept. 1–7), down 58% from mid‑June levels. Simultaneously, average sale prices slipped to $72, reducing overall dollar volume despite steady transaction counts.

How significant was the change in buyer and seller counts?

Unique sellers also fell, dropping to 145,877 last week — a 43% decline from 258,803 in mid‑June. The paired declines in buyers and sellers indicate fewer participants trading at smaller average values, rather than a collapse in trading frequency.

Average sale values trended down after August: August averages were above $104, dipped to $82 in late August, and reached $72 in the first week of September — about a 30% fall in two weeks. Despite this, the total transaction count stayed at roughly 1.27 million, suggesting continued marketplace activity at lower price points.

When did NFT adoption drive higher sales earlier this year?

Adoption trends supported the July–August surge. Industry commentary, including analysis from DappRadar, highlighted growing adoption and experiential showcases — notably the opening of a permanent NFT art gallery in Ibiza featuring artists such as Beeple and Mad Dog Jones. Layer‑2 networks like Base also contributed materially; in August Base rose to become the third‑largest chain by 30‑day volume, shifting where and how collectors trade.

What does steady transaction count with falling prices mean?

When transaction count remains high but average sale price declines, it typically reflects smaller ticket sizes per trade rather than reduced community engagement. This pattern can occur as new entrants purchase lower‑priced assets or when higher‑price speculative activity cools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How drastic was the buyer decline from mid‑June to early September?

Unique NFT buyers declined from about 487,264 in mid‑June to 199,821 in the week of Sept. 1–7, a drop of roughly 58%, per CryptoSlam data cited by market trackers.

Is the decline in weekly volume unique to one marketplace or chain?

Data indicates a broad reduction in dollar volume across marketplaces, though distribution varies by chain. Base’s increased market share in August shifted some volume dynamics but did not prevent the overall weekly drop to $91.96 million.

Key Takeaways

• Volume decline: Weekly NFT sales fell to $91.96M (Sept. 1–7), the lowest since mid‑June.
• Buyer contraction: Unique NFT buyers dropped 58% to 199,821, signaling lower participation at higher price tiers.
• Trade profile shift: Transaction count stayed at ~1.27M while average price fell to $72, indicating more small‑ticket trades.

Conclusion

The NFT sales decline in early September reflects a drop in buyer participation and average sale prices, not an immediate halt in market activity. With transactions remaining relatively high, the market shows ongoing engagement at smaller price points. Watch weekly buyer counts, average sale price, and chain‑level volume for signs of stabilization or renewed growth. COINOTAG will continue tracking updates and publishing data‑driven analysis.