Pikachu Illustrator Sets New World Record Price
Pikachu Illustrator Card Breaks the Ultimate World Record
The Pikachu Illustrator card has officially become the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
As a result, the collectible world witnessed a historic turning point.
The legendary card, previously owned by Logan Paul, closed at $16.49 million USD, or roughly $560 million PHP, during a high-profile Goldin auction.
Therefore, the sale instantly shattered every prior record in Pokémon card history.
A Sale That Redefined Pokémon Collectibles
Back in 2021, Logan Paul purchased the Pikachu Illustrator card for $5.27 million.
At the time, Guinness World Records recognized it as the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
However, this new transaction tripled that value.
Consequently, it cemented the card’s status as the undisputed crown jewel of Pokémon collectibles.
Moreover, Paul famously showcased the card in a custom gold frame necklace at WrestleMania 38.
That moment transformed the Pikachu Illustrator card into a mainstream pop culture icon.
Why the Pikachu Illustrator Card Is So Valuable
The extreme value of the Pikachu Illustrator card is not accidental.
Instead, several rare factors align perfectly.
First, Atsuko Nishida, the original creator of Pikachu, personally illustrated the card.
Second, Pokémon awarded it only to winners of a 1998 illustration contest in Japan.
Although experts estimate that 39 to 41 copies exist, only one holds a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade.
Not surprisingly, that flawless copy was the one sold in this auction.
As a result, collectors often compare it to the Mona Lisa of trading cards.
Inside the Intense Auction Battle
The auction opened quietly in early January.
Initially, bidding hovered around $5 million for weeks.
Then, momentum suddenly returned during mid-February.
From that point onward, bids escalated rapidly and continued deep into the night.
Eventually, AJ Scaramucci, founder of Solari Capital, secured the winning bid.
Accordingly, the final hammer price set a new global benchmark.
Logan Paul’s Strategic Exit
Logan Paul described the sale as part of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Additionally, he highlighted how collectible assets have outperformed traditional markets.
According to Paul, high-end collectibles have grown over 3,000% in value long-term.
Therefore, the Pikachu Illustrator card represented both passion and strategy.
After the auction, Paul personally delivered the card to its new owner.
As a result, his chapter with the Pikachu Illustrator card officially ended.
What This Means for the Future of Pokémon Cards
This record-breaking sale proves that Pokémon cards are no longer niche hobbies.
Instead, they now sit firmly within the global alternative investment market.
More importantly, the Pikachu Illustrator card has redefined the ceiling for collectibles.
Consequently, elite Pokémon cards may continue to attract institutional-level investors.
While prices may fluctuate, one truth remains clear.
The Pikachu Illustrator card now stands as the most valuable Pokémon card in history.
Source: Polygon
