Have you ever wondered just how many Pikachu Illustrator cards are out there hiding from the camera? This ultra-rare card from the 1998 Pokemon Illustrator contest prize is the holy grail for collectors, with only 39 ever produced in total. But not all of them have been photographed or publicly shown.
Experts believe around 12 to 15 copies have surfaced over the years through sales, auctions, or grading services like PSA. Famous ones include Logan Paul’s PSA 10 gem that he bought for over 5 million dollars in 2022. That one has plenty of photos from the hype around it. Other high-profile sales, like those hitting millions at auction houses, also come with clear images for buyers to check.
The real mystery kicks in with the rest. At least 24 to 27 Pikachu Illustrators have never been photographed, based on tracking from collector databases and grading logs. These could be tucked away in private collections, passed down quietly in families, or even sitting unrecognized in old binders. Owners might skip photos to avoid drawing attention from thieves or overzealous buyers. Without public images, their exact condition stays unknown, which keeps values unpredictable but potentially sky-high.
Grading companies like PSA have handled a handful, and those slabs usually get snapped for records. But ungraded or low-key ones slip through without pics. Recent talks in collector circles point to maybe a few more popping up privately, but nothing confirmed with photos.
For price chasers on PokemonPricing.com, this means any new Pikachu Illustrator photo could shake up the market big time. A never-seen-before one in top shape might top Paul’s record. Keep an eye on auction previews and grading submissions, as that’s where hidden ones often first show their faces.
