Pikachu Illustrator Sells for Record $16.5M

Published: February 16, 2026

⏱️ 11 min read

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

  • Logan Paul’s PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $16,492,000 at Goldin Auctions on February 15, 2026, making it the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction
  • The sale represents a 212% return on Paul’s original $5.275 million purchase from 2021, netting him an estimated $8 million profit after fees
  • Only 39 Pikachu Illustrator cards were ever produced for a 1998 CoroCoro Comic illustration contest, and this is the only one graded PSA 10
  • The card set three Guinness World Records simultaneously: most expensive Pokemon card at auction, most expensive Pokemon card ever sold, and most expensive trading card sold at auction
  • Buyer AJ Scaramucci also received the $75,000 diamond-encrusted necklace Paul custom-built to wear the card at WrestleMania 38

The Record-Breaking Sale

On February 15, 2026, the most valuable Pokemon card in the world changed hands for an astonishing $16,492,000. Logan Paul’s PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card, widely regarded as the holy grail of Pokemon collecting, sold at Goldin Auctions to buyer AJ Scaramucci after a marathon 42-day auction that culminated in a furious flurry of last-minute bids.

The winning bid came in at $13.3 million, with the total reaching $16.492 million after the buyer’s premium. To put that number in perspective, it’s more than triple the $5.275 million Paul paid for the card just five years ago. After auction fees, the sale is believed to have earned Paul more than $8 million in profit.

A Guinness World Records adjudicator was present at the event to verify the record-setting sale on the spot. As a final flourish, the card was delivered alongside the $75,000 diamond-encrusted necklace that Paul famously wore to carry the card around his neck at WrestleMania 38.

What Is the Pikachu Illustrator Card?

The Pikachu Illustrator is not a card you could ever find in a booster pack. It was created as a prize for winners of illustration contests held by Japan’s CoroCoro Comic magazine in 1997 and 1998. Only 39 copies were ever distributed, making it one of the rarest cards in any trading card game.

Card specifications:

  • Full name: 1998 Japanese CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest Promo Pikachu
  • Designer: Atsuko Nishida, the original creator of Pikachu
  • Production run: 39 copies total
  • Distinguishing features: “Illustrator” designation and pen symbol where the rarity mark usually appears
  • Grading: Logan Paul’s copy is the only one ever graded PSA 10 (Gem Mint)

The card features Pikachu drawing with a paintbrush and carries text in Japanese that translates to: “We certify that your illustration is an excellent entry in the Pokemon Card Game Illustration Contest.” PSA evaluates cards on a 0-10 scale considering edge roundness, focus sharpness, and original gloss retention. A PSA 10 designation means the card is virtually flawless, and in the case of the Pikachu Illustrator, there is only one in the world that has achieved that grade.

For more context on what makes certain cards command these prices, see our guide on the most expensive TCG cards ever sold.

Logan Paul’s Journey with the Card

Logan Paul’s story with the Pikachu Illustrator is one of the most documented card transactions in hobby history.

The acquisition (2021): Paul acquired the card through a private trade with collector Marwan Dubsy in Dubai. The deal was valued at $5.275 million. Paul exchanged a PSA Grade 9 Pikachu Illustrator card worth $1.275 million plus $4 million in cash. At the time, this set the Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokemon card sold in a private sale.

The necklace (2022): Paul commissioned a custom jewel-encrusted protective case attached to a chain valued at $75,000, complete with a Poke Ball charm. He debuted the piece at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, wearing the world’s most expensive Pokemon card around his neck during his tag team match with The Miz. The moment went viral, introducing the Pikachu Illustrator to millions of viewers who had never heard of it.

The YouTube documentary: Paul’s acquisition and necklace creation were featured in a YouTube mini-documentary that has since amassed over 10 million views, further cementing the card’s cultural status beyond the collecting community.

The auction decision (January 2026): Paul announced he would part with the card via Goldin Auctions, describing it as “the rarest, most valuable Pokemon card in the entire world.” He pledged to personally hand-deliver the card to the winning bidder.

Inside the Auction: 42 Days of Bidding

The Goldin 2026 Pokemon and TCG Auction was built around the Pikachu Illustrator as its centerpiece. The auction ran for 42 days with extended bidding rules that added 30 minutes to the clock whenever a new bid was placed in the final stretch.

The final hours were dramatic. In approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes, the price surged from $6 million to the final $13.3 million winning bid ($16.492 million with buyer’s premium). Bidders pushed each other aggressively as the extended bidding window kept resetting, creating an atmosphere more akin to a high-stakes poker match than a traditional auction.

The winning bidder, AJ Scaramucci, secured not only the card but also the iconic diamond necklace Paul had worn at WrestleMania. The combined package represents the most expensive single lot in trading card auction history.

For comparison, the second and third most valuable Pokemon cards, the 1996 Japanese and 1999 English 1st Edition Charizard in PSA 10, have sold in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. The Pikachu Illustrator commands roughly 10 times the value of those iconic cards.

Three Guinness World Records Shattered

The sale didn’t just break one record. A Guinness World Records adjudicator verified three new records at the event:

  1. Most expensive Pokemon card sold at auction - surpassing all previous public Pokemon card sales
  2. Most expensive Pokemon card ever sold - eclipsing Paul’s own $5.275 million private sale from 2021
  3. Most expensive trading card sold at auction - beating records set by sports cards, Magic: The Gathering, and every other category

That third record is particularly significant. For years, the most expensive trading card records were dominated by sports cards like the T206 Honus Wagner and 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle. A Pokemon card now sits atop the entire trading card hobby.

What This Means for the Pokemon Card Market

This sale sends a powerful signal to the entire Pokemon collecting ecosystem. Here’s what collectors should understand:

Vintage Pokemon is a legitimate asset class. A $16.5 million sale validates Pokemon cards at the highest levels of the collectibles market. Institutional collectors and alternative investment funds will take notice, potentially driving more capital into the space.

The 30th anniversary timing matters. With 2026 marking Pokemon’s 30th anniversary, the market was already experiencing significant growth with 30-50% price increases projected for vintage cards. This record sale adds fuel to an already hot market.

PSA grading premiums will increase. The gap between a PSA 9 and PSA 10 was already enormous for trophy cards. Paul’s card being the only PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator was central to its value. Expect collectors to invest even more heavily in grading and preservation. For guidance on grading your own cards, see our TCG grading guide.

High-end Pokemon cards outperform traditional investments. Paul himself cited that “Pokemon has outperformed the stock market by 3,000% in the last 20 years.” While that figure applies to trophy-level cards and not the average collection, the trend line for rare, graded vintage Pokemon cards has been consistently upward.

What This Means for TCG Collectors and Investors

You don’t need $16 million to benefit from the trends this sale represents. Here’s how the average collector can apply these lessons:

Condition is everything. The difference between PSA 9 and PSA 10 can be exponential at the top end. Protect your cards properly from the moment you acquire them. Proper storage and handling techniques pay dividends over time.

Rarity drives long-term value. The Pikachu Illustrator’s 39-copy print run makes it virtually impossible to replicate. When evaluating your own collection, prioritize cards with genuinely limited production runs over mass-produced modern parallels.

Cultural moments create value. Paul wearing the card at WrestleMania introduced it to a mainstream audience that traditional card shows never could. Cards tied to cultural events, celebrity ownership, or viral moments carry provenance premiums.

Patience pays. Paul held the card for five years and tripled his investment. The most successful collectors in any category take a long-term approach. For more on building value over time, see our guide on Pokemon vs sports cards as investments.

Authentication matters. In a market where counterfeits exist, PSA authentication was essential to this sale. Always verify authenticity before making significant purchases. Our fake TCG card detection guide covers what to look for.

Looking to learn more about Pokemon cards and TCG collecting? Check out these related guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator card sell for?

Logan Paul’s PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $16,492,000 (including buyer’s premium) at Goldin Auctions on February 15, 2026. The winning bid was $13.3 million from buyer AJ Scaramucci. The sale included the $75,000 diamond-encrusted necklace Paul wore at WrestleMania 38. This represents a 212% return on Paul’s original $5.275 million investment from 2021 and set three Guinness World Records simultaneously.

Why is the Pikachu Illustrator card so valuable?

The Pikachu Illustrator is the rarest Pokemon card in existence. Only 39 copies were ever produced as prizes for CoroCoro Comic magazine illustration contests in 1997-1998. Logan Paul’s copy is the only one in the world graded PSA 10 (Gem Mint), meaning it’s virtually flawless. The combination of extreme scarcity (39 copies), perfect condition (unique PSA 10), historical significance (designed by Atsuko Nishida, Pikachu’s original creator), and cultural relevance (Logan Paul’s celebrity ownership and WrestleMania appearance) creates a perfect storm of value.

Does this sale mean my Pokemon cards are worth more now?

A $16.5 million sale validates the Pokemon card market at the highest level and tends to create a rising-tide effect across the hobby. Vintage cards in high grades (PSA 9-10) from early sets like Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil will likely see increased interest and price appreciation. However, the magnitude of the effect depends on your specific cards. Trophy-level rare cards will benefit most, while common modern cards will see minimal impact. The best strategy is to focus on condition and rarity when building your collection.

What trading card records did this sale break?

The sale broke three Guinness World Records: most expensive Pokemon card sold at auction, most expensive Pokemon card ever sold (surpassing Paul’s own $5.275 million private purchase in 2021), and most expensive trading card sold at auction across all categories. That final record is especially historic because it means a Pokemon card now holds the overall trading card auction record, surpassing iconic sports cards that previously dominated the top spots.

Who is AJ Scaramucci, the buyer of the card?

AJ Scaramucci is the winning bidder who purchased the Pikachu Illustrator for $16.492 million through Goldin Auctions. Along with the card, Scaramucci received the $75,000 diamond-encrusted necklace and custom Poke Ball charm that Logan Paul had commissioned. Paul pledged to personally hand-deliver the card and necklace to the winner. Beyond these details confirmed at the auction, limited additional public information about the buyer has been released.