Rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon Card Listed for $6.1 Million
The world of rare collectibles continues to make headlines, with enthusiasts willing to spend staggering amounts for prized items. One of the rarest and most sought-after treasures in the Pokemon trading card universe is back on the market, carrying an eye-popping price tag.
The Pikachu Illustrator card, often called the “holy grail” of Pokemon cards, was originally created in the late 1990s. Only 39 copies were produced, awarded as prizes in a Japanese magazine contest in 1998. Its rarity and historical significance have cemented its status as one of the most valuable cards in the franchise.
Now, one of these ultra-rare cards is up for sale with an asking price of $6.1 million (US$4 million). For comparison, the median price of a home in Sydney is $1,069,000, and the average in any Australian capital city is $832,000.
Graded for Quality
This particular card has been professionally graded and boasts an impressive PSA 9 Mint rating. According to the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), a card with this grade is in “superb condition” but may have minimal imperfections, such as a slight wax stain, a minor printing flaw, or slightly off-white borders.
The seller, based in Illinois, describes this Pikachu Illustrator as a standout piece. In the eBay listing, they highlight the card’s unique history and significance:
“This is the most documented copy of the Illustrator. It was the only known Illustrator for a decade. This exact card was the first PSA 9 Mint example and was featured in the PSA/SMR 2017 Trophy Card Article. There is no card in this hobby that combines value, rarity, and history like the Pikachu Illustrator.”
The card is being offered as a “Buy It Now” listing, which means potential buyers can skip the bidding wars that often drive prices higher. However, anyone interested will need exceptionally deep pockets to secure this collectible.
Record-Breaking Sales
The Pikachu Illustrator already holds a legendary status among collectors. In 2022, YouTuber and WWE wrestler Logan Paul made headlines when he paid a record-breaking US$5.275 million for a Pikachu Illustrator card graded PSA 10. His purchase was recognized by Guinness World Records as the most expensive Pokemon card ever sold.
Paul’s purchase included a unique arrangement. To obtain the perfect PSA 10 card, he first bought a PSA 9 graded Pikachu Illustrator for US$1.275 million from collector Matt Allen, which was part of the final deal. The PSA 10 card—considered flawless—made up the remaining US$4 million of the sale.
“This card is literally perfect,” Paul said after the purchase. “You can almost feel its energy.”
With just one PSA 10 card in existence and only 20 graded copies of the Pikachu Illustrator ever documented, it’s clear why this rare collectible continues to dominate the market. The only question now is, who will step forward to claim the $6.1 million listing?
