How Many Pikachu Illustrator Cards Exist That Could Set New Records
Pikachu Illustrator cards top the list as the rarest and most valuable in the Pokemon TCG world. Only about 39 of these cards were ever produced back in 1998 as prizes for a Japanese illustration contest.[2][4] Out of those, just a handful have surfaced in top condition, and even fewer could smash sales records.
The original Pikachu Illustrator comes from a super limited promo run. Winners of the contest got these cards signed by the creator, Atsuko Nishida. Today, experts estimate 13 to maybe 100 total copies might still exist in any form, but only a tiny number have been professionally graded by PSA, the big grading service.[2] Logan Paul grabbed one in PSA 10 condition, the absolute best grade, for over 5 million dollars in 2022. That sale put it way ahead of other rares like Trophy Pikachu or First Edition Charizard.[3][4]
What makes a Pikachu Illustrator a record-breaker? Condition matters most. A PSA 10 means perfect centering, sharp corners, clean edges, and no surface flaws. Printing back then was not always flawless, so gem mint copies are like finding a shiny Pokemon in the wild.[4] So far, only a few have hit that grade. One ungraded or lower-grade version might sell for thousands, but a confirmed PSA 10 could top 5 million or more if auction hype builds.
No one knows exactly how many high-grade ones are still out there hidden in collections. Some collectors think a couple more PSA 10s or near-perfect ones could pop up, especially as old stashes get graded. Recent sales of other Pikachu promos, like the 2024 Illustration Contest Pikachu #214, go for 12 to 137 dollars depending on grade, showing how rarity drives value.[1] But nothing touches the original Illustrator.
For record potential, watch auctions from big houses like Goldin or Heritage. They track graded populations. Right now, with so few perfect copies known, any new PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator would draw huge bids from whales like Logan Paul. Keep an eye on grading news, too, since a fresh submission in top shape could rewrite the price charts.
