The Viral Image and the $589 Speculation
Bart’s Chalkboard Message
A viral image of Bart Simpson writing “XRP to hit $589+ by EOY” on his classroom chalkboard has sparked curiosity in the crypto community. The image claims to come from The Simpsons episode “Frinkcoin,” which aired in February 2020. However, this claim has been debunked. The prediction never appeared in any official episode and is confirmed to be a digitally altered fake.
Actual Performance in 2020
Despite the fabricated prediction, XRP closed at only $0.2198 on 31 December 2020. The real-world data never aligned with the fictional forecast.
XRP Price Movement in 2025
Post-Election Surge
Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election and favorable developments in Ripple Labs’ legal case with the SEC, XRP saw a significant price surge. As of 23 January 2025, XRP trades at $3.14, up 519.10% from a year earlier.
Recent Price Trends
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Monthly change: +36.17%
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Weekly change: -5.03%
This growth is partly attributed to anticipation of a more crypto-supportive regulatory environment under the current U.S. administration.
The Simpsons’ History with Crypto References
Early Reference in 1997
In an episode aired in 1997, The Simpsons depicted Homer and Marge outside a place called “Crypto Barn,” long before Bitcoin was launched. The scene showed code-related symbols, hinting at cryptographic themes, though no specific asset was named.
Explicit Crypto Explanation in Season 31
In a more direct reference, season 31 included a segment where Lisa Simpson explains cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in simplified terms, showing the show’s willingness to engage with current technological topics.
The Show’s Track Record on Predictions
Accurate Predictions
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Donald Trump’s presidency
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Nobel Prize winners
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Olympic events
These instances have contributed to the show’s reputation for predictive accuracy.
Missed Predictions
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Denver Broncos winning over Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl
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Big Ben turning digital by 2010
These examples highlight that not all predictions from the series come true, and the show's record includes both hits and misses.
Analyst Forecasts for XRP
Bearish Views
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Trading Economics:
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$1.87 by end of Q1 2025
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$1.31 in 2026
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Benzinga:
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$1.96 average in 2025
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$1.05 in 2026
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$2.18 by 2028
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Bullish Views
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AMBCrypto:
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$2.85 average in 2025
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$4.76 in 2028
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Coincodex:
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$3.63 in 2025
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$7.08 by 2029
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Reminder for Traders
While The Simpsons has a history of surprisingly accurate references, the show should not be considered a reliable source for financial predictions. Investors are encouraged to perform proper research and risk analysis.