Zcash Rallies 1,190% in a Year, Joins Forbes' Top Cryptocurrency List

Zcash's price has skyrocketed by roughly 1,190% in the past year, earning it a spot on Forbes' top 10 list of cryptocurrencies to buy.

The privacy-focused coin is trading near $545 after rising about 17% in a week and joins Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hyperliquid on the list.

The rally is driven by a record shielded supply of 5.1 million ZEC, which accounts for nearly a third of all coins held outside the liquid market, as well as a November 2024 halving that cut the block reward in half and slowed new issuance.

The SEC's closure of its two-year investigation into crypto asset offerings without enforcement also eased regulatory pressure on the coin.

However, there are risks to Zcash's rally. A critical flaw was discovered in its Orchard shielded pool in late May, which could have minted counterfeit ZEC, and Europe's MiCA regulations may prohibit anonymity features starting in 2027.