How Many Pikachu Illustrator Cards Exist That Are Ungraded?
If you are chasing info on the ultra-rare Pikachu Illustrator card, one key question pops up: how many ungraded copies are out there? This card from the 1998 Pokemon Illustrator contest is the holy grail for collectors, with only 39 produced in total. Out of those, just a handful have been graded by services like PSA, leaving the rest ungraded.
The Pikachu Illustrator comes from a Japanese contest where kids drew their dream Pokemon cards. Winners got these special promo cards printed, numbered from 1 to 39. They were never meant for wide release, making them scarcer than most vintage Pokemon cards.[2][4]
Grading changes everything for value. Top grades like PSA 10 can hit millions, as seen when Logan Paul bought one for over 5 million dollars in 2022.[2][3][4] But how many are graded? Experts track about 13 to 20 copies that have gone through PSA or similar services. That means roughly 19 to 26 could still be ungraded, sitting in collections or attics worldwide.[2]
Why the uncertainty? Not every owner sends their card for grading. Some keep it raw to avoid risks like damage during shipping or handling. Others might not know what they have. Recent sales data shows graded versions fetching huge prices, but ungraded ones rarely surface publicly.[1][2]
For PokemonPricing.com fans, this rarity drives the market. An ungraded Pikachu Illustrator might sell for far less than a gem mint graded one, but condition matters a ton. Check edges, corners, and centering yourself if you spot one. Always verify authenticity too, since fakes exist.
Keep an eye on auctions and collector forums. With so few ungraded left, any that pop up could shake up prices fast.[5]
