How Many Pikachu Illustrator Cards Exist as Long Term Holdings
If you are thinking about the Pikachu Illustrator card as a long-term hold for your Pokemon collection, the big question is how many of these ultra-rare gems are actually out there and available over time. This card comes from a 1997 Japanese promotion where only 39 winners got one as a prize in an illustration contest. That means just 39 were ever made in total.[2][3]
Out of those 39, not all are known to collectors today. Experts believe between 13 and maybe up to 100 exist in some form, but the real number of confirmed ones is much lower. Only a handful have been graded by PSA, the top grading service. For example, there is just one known PSA 10 version, which Logan Paul bought for over 5 million dollars in 2022. That card is pristine and one-of-a-kind in top condition.[2][3][4]
As for long-term holdings, think of it this way: these cards rarely hit the market. Most owners keep them locked away because they are so valuable and hard to replace. The few sales we see drive prices sky-high, like that 5 million dollar deal. Lower grade versions or ungraded ones might pop up less often, but even those stay rare. No one is dumping multiples because there are not many to begin with.[2][4]
Grading makes a huge difference for holding value. A PSA 10 is like a perfect diamond, super rare due to tiny flaws from printing or handling. Lower grades exist but fetch way less. Collectors chase these as assets that could grow in value over years, especially with Pokemon’s popularity staying strong.[4]
Compare this to newer Pikachu promos like the 2024 Illustration Contest #214. Those sell for 15 to 20 dollars raw and up to 137 dollars graded PSA 10, with sales happening weekly. Plenty are out there from recent prints, so they trade more like regular cards. Not the same league for long-term rarity.[1]
For Pikachu Illustrator, the low supply means if you snag one, it could sit as a strong hold. Watch auctions and grading news to spot any new finds, but expect patience. Fewer than 40 total, with most hidden in private collections, keeps this card at the top for serious investors.
