Privacy coin market cap grew nearly fivefold to roughly $30 billion in a year
Crypto.News reported 21Shares' estimate of roughly $30 billion after nearly fivefold growth over one year; Bitcoin.com News later cited a $36.51 billion sector value.
Why it matters
21Shares' estimate and the CoinGecko-based reports use different periods and datasets, putting reported sector values between roughly $30 billion and $36.9 billion. 21Shares cited institutional infrastructure testing, but neither report quantified that contribution.
Where the sources disagree
privacy coin sector valuation
roughly $30 billion — 21Shares estimate
Crypto.News
near $36.9 billion — CoinGecko snapshot cited by Crypto.News
Crypto.News
$36.51 billion — Bitcoin.com News five-month calculation
Bitcoin.com News
Crypto.News reported 21Shares' roughly $30 billion estimate and a later CoinGecko value near $36.9 billion, while Bitcoin.com News used archived CoinGecko data to report $36.51 billion over five months.
Key facts
Zcash's price moved from $319 to $1,507 over the five-month period.
1,507 USDReported by Bitcoin.com News
Monero's price moved from $330 to $555 over the five-month period.
555 USDReported by Bitcoin.com News
21Shares said financial institutions were testing confidential blockchain infrastructure.
Reported by Crypto.News
What happened
Crypto.News reported that a Sept. 22 21Shares note put privacy coin market capitalization at roughly $30 billion, up from $6.2 billion over a year, with Zcash leading the gain. A later CoinGecko snapshot in that report valued the sector near $36.9 billion. Bitcoin.com News separately calculated a $24.54 billion increase over five months, from $11.97 billion on April 9, 2026 to $36.51 billion, with Zcash adding $20.27 billion and monero adding $4.33 billion. Over that period, Zcash moved from $319 to $1,507, while monero moved from $330 to $555. 21Shares said financial institutions were testing confidential blockchain infrastructure, but neither report quantified institutional participation in the increase.
How the story developed
- First report
First report by Crypto.News
21Shares: Privacy coins grow nearly 5x in one year
- Update
21Shares annual growth estimate published
Crypto.News reported that the asset manager's Sept. 22 note put the sector at roughly $30 billion after a rise from $6.2 billion.
- Update
CoinGecko snapshot reports a higher sector value
Crypto.News said its later Sept. 22 CoinGecko data valued the category near $36.9 billion.
- Official statement
Official statement from Bitcoin.com News
Wall Street Opens Door to $24.54B Privacy Coin Boom in 5 Months
- Update
Five-month sector increase calculated at $24.54 billion
Bitcoin.com News reported the sector at $36.51 billion, up from $11.97 billion on April 9, 2026, and said Zcash and monero accounted for most of the increase.
How coverage built up
Independent sources over time, counted the way the consensus panel counts them: a republication of a wire story does not move the line.
- 22 Sept 2026, 09:58 UTC: Crypto.News — 1 independent source, 1 reports
- 24 Sept 2026, 14:32 UTC: Bitcoin.com News, official — 2 independent sources, 2 reports
Affected entities
Also mentioned: NYSE, Bitcoin, Solana, Russia
Original sources
| Publisher | Report | Role | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin.com News Company, official | Wall Street Opens Door to $24.54B Privacy Coin Boom in 5 Months | Independent | |
| Crypto.News Crypto media | 21Shares: Privacy coins grow nearly 5x in one year | Original |