CoinClear

Turbo

3.2/10

The first AI-generated memecoin -- created via ChatGPT on a $69 budget, pure novelty play.

Updated: February 16, 2026AI Model: claude-4-opusVersion 1

Overview

Turbo (TURBO) was created in May 2023 by digital artist Rhett Mankind, who documented using ChatGPT to design, name, and launch a memecoin with just $69. The AI suggested TurboToad, generated tokenomics, and helped write contract parameters. The transparent experimental process went viral, making Turbo the first widely recognized AI-generated memecoin in the market.

The novelty captured significant attention during the 2023 boom. Peak cap reached several hundred million, driven by unique narrative rather than utility. The toad branding, AI origin, and transparent launch differentiated it from forgettable dog tokens flooding the market at the time.

Once novelty faded, Turbo became another ERC-20 competing in a crowded market. The AI origin story is a great conversation starter but does not provide sustained competitive advantage. The token persisted longer than most 2023 memecoins but relevance has diminished as AI+crypto narratives evolved beyond simple novelty.

Community

Modest but surprisingly dedicated given age and declining momentum. Centered on Twitter/X and Telegram with culture built around AI-generation origin and toad memes. Engagement lower than top- tier but has shown persistence through cycles.

The AI angle attracts a niche AI+crypto audience, though relatively small. Activity spikes when AI narratives trend (like the GOAT launch) but remains quiet otherwise. The documented launch provides authentic founding story that feels more genuine than most memecoins.

Liquidity

Listed on Binance and OKX plus Uniswap pools. Volume $10M-$100M daily with spikes during AI narrative rallies. Adequate for cap tier but thin vs top memecoins. Ethereum gas limits accessibility for small traders, adding friction to already-limited liquidity.

On-Chain Metrics

Tens of thousands of Ethereum holders -- respectable for mid-tier memecoin. Typical concentration with early wallets holding significant positions. Activity primarily trading-driven with occasional AI-narrative spikes. Holder base has shown relative stickiness compared to many 2023-era tokens, suggesting genuine core believers.

Development

Minimal. The AI-generation experiment was the development -- no ongoing protocol work, no utility, no roadmap. Community organized NFTs and meme contests. Branding maintained. But no technical development. The AI origin is a static historical fact, not an ongoing process or competitive advantage.

Risk Profile

High risk as a mid-tier memecoin with fading novelty. The AI-generation story provides no sustained edge and has been overshadowed by more sophisticated AI-crypto narratives. Limited liquidity, narrow exchange support, no utility, no development. Ethereum gas adds friction. Neither established enough for safety nor novel enough for explosive growth.

Risk Factors

  • Fading novelty: AI-generation story has diminishing impact as market evolves past simple narratives
  • Limited liquidity: Thin books relative to top memecoins increase slippage risk
  • No utility or development: Nothing beyond original launch experiment exists
  • Ethereum gas friction: High L1 costs limit small-holder activity and increase exit costs
  • Narrative competition: Sophisticated AI-crypto projects overshadow Turbo's simple origin story
  • Mid-tier risk: Not established enough for safety, not novel enough for growth

Conclusion

Turbo holds a unique footnote as the first AI-generated memecoin. The transparent ChatGPT creation on a $69 budget was genuinely creative and captured meaningful attention. The origin remains a compelling story.

A good origin does not make a good investment. No utility, no development, fading narrative advantage. Competes in crowded mid-tier memecoin space where attention is the scarcest resource and newer objects continuously emerge.

For crypto history collectors, Turbo has cultural significance. For traders, it is a speculative mid-cap with higher risk and lower liquidity than top-tier alternatives.

Sources