How Many Pikachu Illustrator Cards Exist Held by Ultra High Net Worth Owners
The Pikachu Illustrator card stands as the holy grail of Pokemon collecting, a prize so rare and valuable that only a tiny handful exist in the world. Experts estimate between 13 and 100 copies were ever produced back in 1998 as prizes for a Japanese illustration contest winners.[2] Out of those, just a few have surfaced in public sales or auctions, with pristine PSA 10 graded versions fetching millions.
What makes this card legendary is its extreme scarcity. It was never meant for mass release, given only to the top 39 kids who won that contest. Over the years, Pokemon experts and grading companies like PSA have confirmed only about 20 to 40 have been accounted for, but many believe the true number is closer to 39 total printed.[2][4] Not all are in top condition, and some owners keep theirs hidden away.
Ultra high net worth owners, think billionaires or celebrities with collections worth tens of millions, hold the best ones. YouTuber and wrestler Logan Paul grabbed the spotlight in 2022 by dropping over 5 million dollars on a flawless PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator, one of the finest known copies.[2][3][4] He later put it up for auction, cementing its status as a trophy for the super wealthy.[3] Another PSA 10 version sits in private hands, likely with someone of similar stature given its 5.3 million dollar valuation.[3]
These cards rarely trade hands. Most sales happen quietly among top collectors who value privacy. For instance, Logan Paul’s buy made headlines because few deals at that level leak out.[4] Israeli collector Dor, who owns one of the world’s top Pokemon hauls, points out how these gems mix rarity with star power, drawing in ultra rich buyers who see them as assets like art or rare watches.[4]
For everyday collectors eyeing prices on PokemonPricing.com, this means Pikachu Illustrator stays out of reach. Recent promo Pikachu cards like the 2024 Illustration Contest version trade for 15 to 20 dollars raw or up to 137 dollars graded PSA 10, a fun nod to the original but worlds apart in value.[1] Spotting a real Illustrator? Check for the trophy hologram and contest stamp, but expect to verify through PSA or BGS grading.
High net worth holders treat these like vault investments, rarely selling. Rumors swirl of 5 to 10 pristine copies tucked away in private collections worldwide, owned by folks who could buy islands.[2][4] That keeps the market buzzing without flooding it. If one hits auction, prices could climb even higher as demand from the elite grows.
