Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin is all set to launch on Tuesday, creating a buzz across the crypto world. With listings on platforms like Uphold, MoonPay, Archax, and CoinMENA, excitement is at an all-time high. But there’s more to this story than meets the eye. Some enthusiasts are willing to pay thousands for just a tiny piece of RLUSD before its official release.
People Are Already Paying Premiums—Here’s Why
On-chain marketplaces like Xaman have become the center of activity. Collectors and traders are placing huge bids just to get early access to RLUSD. Some are offering up to 836 XRP—about $2,068—for a fraction of the stablecoin. Considering RLUSD is meant to be pegged at $1, these prices are… surprising, to say the least.
Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, chimed in on the unusual bidding frenzy. In a post on Sunday, he shared his thoughts on why people are paying so much. “There actually is someone willing to pay $1,200 for a tiny fraction of RLUSD,” he said. Schwartz believes these buyers might see value in being among the first to hold RLUSD, even if it doesn’t make financial sense.
Temporary Shortages, Temporary Chaos
Ripple expects early supply shortages to create some price volatility. This isn’t unusual for a new token launch. As Schwartz pointed out, RLUSD’s price will stabilize quickly once liquidity increases. He reminded everyone that the whole point of a stablecoin is… stability.
So why the chaos? Part of it comes down to hype and speculation. Whenever a new token or NFT drops, some people are willing to pay a premium to own a piece of history. It’s a trend we’ve seen before in crypto markets. But Schwartz had a clear warning for buyers: “Please don’t FOMO into a stablecoin! This is not an opportunity to get rich.”
What to Expect Next
Despite the temporary craziness, Ripple has systems in place to keep RLUSD on track. The stablecoin will always be redeemable for $1, thanks to a solid redemption mechanism. Any major price swings will likely be short-lived, as traders (known as arbitragers) will step in to bring things back to normal.
For now, all eyes are on Tuesday’s launch. RLUSD will likely face some initial bumps, but Ripple is confident the market will stabilize quickly. If you’re watching from the sidelines, just remember—patience pays.
