Have you ever wondered where some of the world’s rarest Pokemon cards are hiding? The Pikachu Illustrator card tops that list as one of the holy grails of collecting. This special promo card from 1998 was given only to winners of a Japanese illustration contest. Experts believe just 39 of them were ever made in total.[2][4]
Not all of those 39 are out in the open. A big chunk sits locked away in bank safe deposit boxes. Owners of these ultra-valuable cards often stash them there for top-notch security. Why take chances with a card that can sell for millions? Logan Paul grabbed one in PSA 10 condition for over $5 million back in 2022, and it made headlines everywhere.[2][3][4]
Think about it. Banks offer climate-controlled vaults with 24/7 guards, alarms, and insurance options that match the card’s insane worth. No home safe or display case beats that for peace of mind. Sources in the collecting world estimate at least 20 to 25 Pikachu Illustrators could be tucked away like this right now. That leaves maybe a dozen or so that pop up at auctions or shows.[2]
Prices tell the story too. Recent sales of lesser Pikachu promos, like the 2024 Illustration Contest version, go for $15 to $20 in near mint shape.[1] But a true Pikachu Illustrator? Forget it, those stay hidden unless a big sale happens. Collectors whisper about owners who check their boxes once a year, just to make sure the gem is safe.
Safe deposit boxes also keep cards from damage like humidity or light, which can tank their grade and value. PSA grading looks at every tiny flaw, and a perfect 10 is pure gold.[4] So if you’re hunting one, patience is key. Most are probably chilling in steel vaults across Japan and beyond, waiting for the right moment to spark the next big bidding war.
