How Many Pikachu Illustrator Cards Exist Graded by Smaller Services?
The Pikachu Illustrator is the holy grail of Pokemon cards. This rare promo from 1998 Japan went only to winners of a CoroCoro magazine illustration contest. Experts believe just 39 copies exist in total.[1][6] Most talk focuses on big grading companies like PSA. Logan Paul owns the one PSA 10, the only perfect grade known.[2][5] A PSA 8.5 sold for $610,000 recently.[1] But what about smaller grading services like BGS, SGC, or CGA? Those handle fewer high-end Pokemon cards but still pop up in sales.
Public records show very few Pikachu Illustrators graded by these outfits. No confirmed BGS or SGC versions have hit major auctions. Sites like Card Ladder and Goldin track sales, and they list zero from smaller services in recent years.[1] One ungraded copy surfaced in private deals, but grading details stay hidden. Collectors guess 1 or 2 might exist with minor grades from services like GMA or Beckett, based on forum chatter and old Japanese sales. These would likely score low, maybe 7 or below, due to age and wear.
Why so few? Owners of these ultra-rares stick with PSA for top value. Smaller grades often mean lower prices and less buyer trust. A hypothetical BGS 9 could fetch half of a PSA equivalent. Still, with only 39 total cards, even one from a smaller service would spark buzz. Track auction houses like Heritage or eBay for surprises. If you spot a listing, check the slab closely, raw copies are worth grading but expect long waits.[1][3] Prices keep climbing, so any graded Illustrator, big or small service, stays a smart hold.
