Logan Paul sees his rare Pokemon cards like the Pikachu Illustrator as cultural insurance, a smart way to protect wealth outside traditional investments like stocks.[1][3] He bought the card, the only PSA 10 graded version in existence, for 5.3 million dollars back in 2022 and even wore it around his neck during WWE matches to show it off.[1][3] Now, he plans to auction it off through Goldin starting January 5, 2026, expecting it to fetch 7 to 12 million dollars, which could net him a solid profit.[1][2]
Paul pushes young investors, especially Gen Z guys, to dive into Pokemon cards and other collectibles because they have crushed the stock market over the last 20 years with a 3,261 percent gain.[1] He calls it the Holy Grail of cards, illustrated by Pikachu’s original artist Atsuko Nishida as a prize from a 1998 Japanese contest, with just a few dozen copies worldwide.[1][2] By flashing it publicly, like at WrestleMania 38, Paul turned it into a status symbol that boosted Pokemon’s appeal as real money-makers for the next generation.[3]
The auction also spotlights other big Pokemon items from Paul’s collection, such as a 1999 Base Set 1st Edition Holo Charizard and a factory-sealed booster box that could hold rare Charizards, Blastoise, or Venusaur pulls.[2] Pokemon searches hit nearly 14,000 per hour on eBay in 2024, proving the hype is still strong.[1] Paul argues these cards offer long-term rewards that beat safe bets, urging folks with cash to take the leap if they are young and bold.[1]
Experts note collectibles suit risk-takers, even if returns vary, and Paul’s move puts a spotlight on top-end Pokemon values that rarely hit public sales.[3] With Netflix’s King of Collectibles featuring the card, more eyes are on how these pieces hold value like cultural treasures.[2][3] For Pokemon card hunters tracking prices, this sale could reset records and show why stars like Paul treat them as future-proof assets.[1][3]
