Logan Paul Breaks World Record with Pikachu Illustrator at $16.492 Million
Date: February 16, 2026 - A historic transaction has just shaken the world of trading cards. The legendary Pikachu Illustrator , considered the Holy Grail of the Pokémon universe, was sold for the record sum of $16.492 million , officially becoming the most expensive trading card ever sold, across all categories.
A Record Sale Certified by Guinness World Records
This exceptional sale, orchestrated by the Goldin auction house, has been officially certified by Guinness World Records . The seller is none other than Logan Paul , the famous American content creator and passionate collector, who himself acquired this particular item in 2021 for $5.28 million.
In a characteristic theatrical gesture, Logan Paul handed the card to its new owner AJ Scaramucci (son of Anthony Scaramucci, former White House communications director) attached to a diamond necklace worth $75,000 , which he placed around the buyer's neck.
Pikachu Illustrator: A Card Never Released
Unlike the Pokémon cards found in regular booster packs, the Pikachu Illustrator card was never sold to the public. It was created as an exclusive trophy to reward participants in three illustration contests organized by the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic between 1997 and 1998.
Distribution History
- January 1998 : 23 copies distributed (3 grand prize winners + 20 finalists)
- May 1998 : 8 additional copies delivered
- June 1998 : Last 8 official copies distributed
- Official total : 39 cards
- 2023 : Discovery of 2 previously unseen copies in the archives of a former developer (theoretical total: 41)
An exceptional rarity that is becoming even rarer.
Decades of loss and damage have drastically reduced the number of Pikachu Illustrator figures still in circulation. It is estimated that only 20 to 25 certified examples remain today, as recognized by grading bodies such as the PSA.
The copy sold by Logan Paul has a PSA rating of 10 , meaning it is in near-perfect condition - an exceptional performance for a card that is over 25 years old.
Why Is This Card Worth Millions?
The astronomical value of the Pikachu Illustrator is based on several cumulative criteria:
- đ„ Absolute rarity - Only 20-25 certified copies exist
- ⥠Pikachu - The ultimate mascot of the Pokémon franchise
- đš Artist's name - Explicitly appears on the card (hence the name "Illustrator")
- đ Unique origin - Competition trophy, never commercially available
- đŻ PSA 10 Condition - Near-perfect condition despite being 25+ years old
- đ Sales History - Spectacular Value Increase
The Pokémon Card Market is Exploding
This record sale comes amid a resurgence of global interest in Pokémon cards. In recent years, prices have risen dramatically, causing stock shortages and incidents when new series are released.
The Pikachu Illustrator is its most extreme expression: a museum piece at the intersection of pop culture, nostalgia, and speculation.
Investing in Pokémon Cards: What You Need to Know
While the Pikachu Illustrator represents the absolute pinnacle of the market, many graded Pokémon cards are accessible investments for passionate collectors:
- đ PSA Graded Cards - Guaranteed Authentication and Preservation
- đŻ Limited editions - Increasing value over time
- â Iconic PokĂ©mon - Charizard, Mewtwo, Pikachu...
- đŠ Optimal preservation - Professional protection and storage
ShinyBall: Your Premium Pokémon Card Specialist
At ShinyBall , we offer a selection of authenticated graded Pokémon cards for discerning collectors. Each card is certified, protected, and ready to be added to your premium collection.
đïž Discover our graded PokĂ©mon cards
Conclusion: A Childhood Dream Worth Millions
The sale of the Pikachu Illustrator card for $16.5 million serves as a reminder that in the Pokémon universe, some childhood dreams can be worth millions . Now hanging around a collector's neck, attached to a diamond necklace, this legendary card continues to write the history of Pokémon collecting.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert collector, the Pokémon card market offers opportunities at all levels. The key is to prioritize authenticity , professional grading , and a passion for this timeless universe.
ShinyBall - French specialist in premium Pokémon collectibles and authenticated graded cards
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