LINEA, the native token of Consensys-developed Ethereum Layer 2 network Linea, experienced a sharp 30% price decline within 24 hours of its debut on September 10, 2025. The token launched with a total supply of 72 billion tokens, including a 9% airdrop allocation (9.36 billion tokens) distributed to 749,000 eligible wallets with no insider or investor allocations.
Initially listed on major exchanges including Binance, Bybit, OKX, and Bitget, LINEA surged to an all-time high of $0.046 shortly after launch before plummeting to $0.022. At time of reporting, it traded at $0.023, down approximately 30% from its launch price. Trading volume spiked to $418 million as airdrop recipients rapidly liquidated holdings.
The token generation event faced operational issues, with claims frozen for approximately one hour while Binance users reportedly began selling immediately. Community reaction was mixed, with some users expressing disappointment over airdrop allocations worth approximately $126 at pre-market prices after months of ecosystem participation. Crypto commentator Parcifap warned LINEA could become one of 2025's top disappointments, citing lackluster pre-market trading and incentive design confusion.
Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin emphasized LINEA's potential for future rewards from Consensys and aligned projects, stating that holding tokens signals community membership and engagement in Linea Economy activities. The network announced an upcoming "Linea Ignition" program distributing an additional 160 million LINEA tokens to users of Aave, Euler, and Ethena, potentially creating further selling pressure.