Monero breaks into the top 25, flipping Litecoin and Toncoin in market value.

Monero (XMR), the privacy-focused cryptocurrency, has surged over 100% in price this year, pushing its market capitalization above both Litecoin (LTC) and Toncoin (TON) to enter the top 25 largest digital assets.

Data from CoinGecko shows Monero’s market cap now exceeds $7.5 billion, narrowly beating Toncoin’s $7.48 billion and Litecoin’s $7.35 billion, marking a significant shift in the rankings often called a “flippening.”

Monero’s popularity stems from its strong privacy features that mask transaction details, offering users anonymity but also attracting scrutiny due to its potential misuse. Earlier this year, a media outlet linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) Pakistan Province reportedly sought donations in Monero, highlighting ongoing concerns around illicit use.

Despite these controversies, Monero’s price has climbed back above $400 for the first time since early 2021. This rally is largely fueled by anticipation of an upcoming privacy upgrade and speculation about possible relisting on major exchanges such as Coinbase.

In contrast, Litecoin, known as the “silver” to Bitcoin’s “gold,” has declined 6% year-to-date, trading below the $100 mark. Toncoin, which plays a key role in Telegram’s blockchain ecosystem, has experienced a 25% drop this year.