XRP: Ripple CTO Reveals His Entry Price and $10 Potential

XRP continues to make headlines as Ripple CTO David Schwartz shares insights into his early acquisitions, revealing just how long he’s believed in the cryptocurrency’s future.

As one of the masterminds behind the XRP Ledger (XRPL), many assumed Schwartz accumulated a large XRP stash through internal distribution or as a development bonus. Contrary to popular belief, Schwartz confirmed he purchased his own XRP on the open market, circumventing any preferential treatment despite his role in XRP’s formation.

The recent revelation emerged during a discussion initiated by Stedas, a known figure in the XRP community and creator of the XRP Posters initiative. In a tweet, Stedas pointed out that true early adopters — or “OGs” — secured XRP when it hovered around $0.5, well before the current bullish wave that propelled the token past $2.

This price threshold held steady for an extended period, marking a lengthy accumulation window from April 2022 through November 2025. For over three years, XRP fluctuated near the $0.5 zone, making that level a critical support point that seasoned investors looked for before the market broke out amid broader momentum stirred by favorable political and economic signals.

Responding to that conversation, Schwartz set the record straight. Rather than purchasing XRP at $0.5 like many community stalwarts, he revealed his acquisition price was an astonishingly low $0.006. This revelation positions him beyond the circle of early adopters, aligning him as one of the true virginal entrants to XRP ownership.

Backing up his claim, Schwartz highlighted an earlier explanation that he never received XRP during its initial distribution. At the time, he opted instead to receive Ripple shares — a decision he’s indicated he sometimes regrets due to XRP’s superior liquidity. Furthermore, in a tweet from July 2022, Schwartz admitted he had an opportunity to accept his salary in XRP but chose U.S. dollars instead, citing the need for immediate cash flow. He later emphasized that XRP was always available on exchanges should he want to invest — which he eventually did.

At his peak, Schwartz acknowledged holding 26 million XRP — a figure he shared in a 2024 disclosure. If he purchased the entire sum at his stated entry price of $0.006, the investment would have cost him a modest $156,000. With today’s XRP value nearing $2.25, a full retention of that stake would be valued over $58.5 million — reflecting a gain exceeding $58 million. Nevertheless, it’s been suggested that Schwartz may have sold some of his holdings. While he reiterated that he has not swapped XRP for other cryptocurrencies, details of his current balance remain a mystery.

Still, speculation continues about the highway to a potential $10 XRP. Analysts like EGRAG have utilized technical indicators to forecast this target, feeding into the community’s optimism. If XRP were to hit $10 and Schwartz still held his original 26 million tokens, his holdings would soar to $260 million, positioning him among the elite beneficiaries of XRP’s long-awaited surge.

While estimates are speculative, the potential gains demonstrate not only the value of early belief in XRP but also the kind of vision and risk tolerance required in the nascent stages of blockchain innovation. Schwartz’s story reflects a unique blend of technical involvement and financial conviction — an investment decision made not as a reward for work but from a genuine belief in the mission of Ripple and the utility of XRP.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

Today, as XRP finds renewed momentum in the market and secures broader adoption, Schwartz’s journey stands as a testament to both foresight and dedication, offering a rare glimpse into the early decisions that could define a future crypto billionaire.