Dash Surges over 100% as Privacy Coins Dominate Crypto Market

Dash has emerged as the top-performing cryptocurrency among the 300 largest digital assets this week, posting gains that exceeded 100% and overtaking privacy-sector rival Monero. The move placed Dash at the center of a broader rally across privacy-focused tokens, driven by renewed interest in financial privacy, expanding access through payment integrations, and shifting capital within the sector.

According to CoinGecko data, Dash rose as high as $88.50 on Jan. 13, its highest level in nearly two months. At the time of publication, the token traded near $80. Daily trading volume surpassed $1.2 billion, the highest across the privacy coin category.

CryptoRank says that 14 of the 18 privacy tokens with market caps over $100 million have gone up since January 1. This shows that the move is happening across the board.

Fiat access and merchant adoption support momentum

A key catalyst arrived on Jan. 13, when Alchemy Pay announced fiat on-ramp support for Dash. The integration allows users in 173 countries to purchase Dash through local payment methods. Market participants cited the announcement as a meaningful step for accessibility, a long-standing hurdle for privacy-focused assets.

Merchant adoption data further reinforced Dash’s position. Cryptwerk analytics show that 1,682 businesses accept Dash, which places the asset seventh among all cryptocurrencies for merchant acceptance. Monero trails with 1,225 merchants, despite its larger market capitalization.

Dash markets itself as digital cash and offers optional privacy through its PrivateSend feature. The project launched in 2014 and introduced early innovations such as masternode governance and decentralized treasury funding. In 2024, the network released Dash Evolution, a decentralized data platform designed to improve usability across Web3 applications.

Capital rotation reshapes privacy sector

Capital rotation is another factor behind Dash’s sharp rise. Zcash, which led the privacy sector last year, faced sentiment pressure after governance disputes resulted in the resignation of the Electric Coin Company development team. That shift redirected attention toward Monero earlier in the cycle, with Dash later emerging as a higher-beta alternative.

Dash also advanced as the European Union’s DAC8 directive took effect on Jan. 1. The rule requires crypto service providers to collect and report user tax data. The policy revived debate around financial surveillance and strengthened the narrative that privacy remains a core feature rather than a liability.

According to CoinGecko, the privacy coin sector gained about 10% over a 24-hour period, with Dash ranking among the top 10 gainers across the broader crypto market. Stocktwits data showed retail sentiment around Dash moved into extremely bullish territory, with message volume surging.

Analysts split as price tests historical resistance

Despite strong momentum, analysts remain divided on whether Dash can sustain its rally. Ardi described the price action as “insane strength” and identified $77 as initial support, with potential upside toward $98 to $103 if momentum holds.

Jens highlighted a long base between $36 and $40 and suggested pullbacks toward $60 to $65 could offer buying opportunities.

Other traders urged caution. Crypto Tony wrote on Jan. 13 that he expects a decline toward $53 before any sustained recovery.

Longer-term charts show Dash testing a multiyear descending trendline that capped major rallies since 2018. Previous failures at this level preceded steep drawdowns during subsequent bear cycles. Technical history suggests that rejection at resistance could expose the asset to a sharp correction.

Short liquidations amplify volatility

Exchange data pointed to short liquidations as an accelerant. ChangeHero reported that more than $4.9 million in Dash short positions were liquidated within 24 hours, with Coinglass data later showing the figure exceeded $7.7 million. Forced buying during liquidations contributed to rapid price expansion as Dash broke through key resistance levels.

The rally also occurred despite regulatory headwinds. Dubai recently announced a ban on privacy tokens, yet privacy assets continued to advance.

Privacy narrative gains traction

Broader macro factors also supported the move. The total crypto market capitalization rose above $3.3 trillion, while Bitcoin traded near $97,000. Galaxy reportedly warned that a draft U.S. Senate market structure bill could represent the largest expansion of financial oversight authority since the Patriot Act, which added fuel to privacy-focused narratives.

Dash now stands as one of the most closely watched assets in the privacy segment. Whether the rally marks a structural shift or a temporary surge remains unresolved, as traders weigh adoption progress against historical volatility.

Top 5 Cryptocurrencies to Watch as 2026 Begins | HODL FM

Crypto pricing into early 2026 reflects a market still adjusting to…

HODL FM: The Wildest Ride in the Crypto MarketOleksii Shumak

Disclaimer: All materials on this site are for informational purposes only. None of the material should be interpreted as investment advice. Please note that despite the nature of much of the material created and hosted on this website, HODL FM is not a financial reference resource, and the opinions of authors and other contributors are their own and should not be taken as financial advice. If you require advice. HODL FM strongly recommends contacting a qualified industry professional.