How Many Pikachu Illustrator Cards Exist in the United States?
The Pikachu Illustrator card stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable Pokemon cards ever made. Released in Japan in 1998 as a special prize for a CoroCoro magazine illustration contest, only 39 of these cards were ever produced worldwide[1][4]. Winners of the contest received the card, which features unique artwork of Pikachu holding a paintbrush.
No official records show any Pikachu Illustrator cards being officially distributed or printed in the United States. The card came from a Japan-only promotion, and Pokemon cards in the US started printing later through Wizards of the Coast, but nothing like this Illustrator version[1]. All known copies remain tied to Japanese origins.
As for how many exist in the US today, collectors and grading companies like PSA track them through sales and submissions. Only a handful have surfaced in American auctions or private collections over the years. The most famous one is the PSA 10 gem mint copy bought by Logan Paul in 2022 for $5.3 million, which he keeps in the US and plans to auction in 2026[2][4]. He calls it the rarest card in the world, with just one at that perfect grade[2].
Other Pikachu Illustrator cards have appeared in US markets, but population reports from PSA show very low numbers overall, likely under 10 total graded copies worldwide, and even fewer confirmed in American hands[3][4]. High-grade examples like PSA 9 or 10 are especially scarce, driving prices into millions[2][3]. For instance, sales data points to just a few transactions stateside, with values climbing fast due to global demand[3].
US collectors often import these from Japan or buy from international sellers, but fakes are a big risk without PSA or BGS grading. Sites tracking Pokemon card populations confirm the ultra-low supply keeps US-owned Illustrators to a tiny count, making any sighting a big deal for pricing and value[3]. If you spot one for sale in the states, check its provenance closely, as true originals rarely change hands.
