Optimism (OP) Historical Price and Return Analysis: Should I Buy OP Now?

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of Optimism’s historical price movements and market fluctuations since its inception, combining data from bull and bear market phases to assess the potential returns for investors purchasing 10 OP tokens. It addresses the critical question: “Should I buy Optimism now?” to help both novice and long-term investors identify optimal entry points and growth opportunities.

Early Market Cycle: Historical Price Review (2022 to 2023)

Optimism, an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution developed by the Optimism Foundation, began trading at approximately $1.50 in 2022. OP serves as the native governance token of the Optimism ecosystem, enabling protocol governance and community participation.

The following is the price performance of OP during its early market cycle:

2022

• Opening Price: $1.50
• Closing Price: $0.9224
• Highest Price: $1.91
• Lowest Price: $0.5088
• Annual Return: -38.51%

2023

• Opening Price: $1.26
• Closing Price: $3.71
• Highest Price: $3.71
• Lowest Price: $1.09
• Annual Return: +193.76%

An investor who purchased 10 OP tokens in 2022 and held through the end of 2023 would have realized significant recovery, with cumulative returns improving substantially following the strong bull market recovery in 2023.

Bear Market Adjustment and Mid-Term Cycle: Returns and Risk Analysis (2024 to 2025)

During this period, OP experienced significant price volatility, declining from its 2023 peaks as broader market conditions shifted. The token faced downward pressure amid challenging macroeconomic conditions and evolving market sentiment.

Potential returns for investors who purchased 10 OP tokens during this period:

• 2024: -28.133
• 2025: -14.244

2024

• Opening Price: $3.17
• Closing Price: $2.09
• Highest Price: $4.54
• Lowest Price: $1.31
• Annual Return: -34.02%

2025

• Opening Price: $1.78
• Closing Price: $0.3194
• Highest Price: $1.78
• Lowest Price: $0.2722
• Annual Return: -82.07%

Recent Market Cycle: Should I Buy OP Now? (2026 to Present)

In 2026, OP has stabilized and shown modest recovery, with the token beginning to trend upward from its 2025 lows. Market participants are cautiously evaluating whether the worst of the downturn has passed.

2026

• Opening Price: $0.3158
• Closing Price: $0.3573
• Highest Price: $0.3573
• Lowest Price: $0.3158
• Annual Return: +13.14%

Potential returns for investors who purchased 10 OP tokens in 2026:

• 2026-Present: +0.415

Summary: Bull Markets, Bear Markets, and Investment Timing Analysis

Through analysis of Optimism’s historical price movements and potential returns, investors can observe that OP has experienced extreme volatility across multiple market cycles. The token declined substantially from its 2023 peak of $3.71 to $0.3194 by late 2025, representing a significant correction. However, the modest recovery witnessed in 2026 suggests potential stabilization at lower price levels. Current valuations reflect a significant discount to historical peaks, though investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and investment horizon when evaluating whether the present represents an appropriate entry point for OP accumulation.