Have you ever wondered just how rare the Pikachu Illustrator card really is, especially the ones that have shown up in big exhibitions? This ultra-rare promo card from a 1998 Japanese contest has only 39 copies ever made, but not all of them pop up in public displays or high-profile events.[1][2]
The Pikachu Illustrator was a prize for winners of a Pokemon illustration contest in Japan back in 1998. Kids who won got these special cards as trophies, and they never hit stores. Today, collectors chase them because of their tiny supply. Prices skyrocket for top-condition ones, like the PSA 10 version Logan Paul bought in 2022 for millions.[1][2][3]
When it comes to exhibitions, things get even tighter. Logan Paul’s pristine PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator stands out as the only known copy of its kind to appear in exhibitions. He showed it off during his 2021 exhibition boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in Miami, wearing it as part of a custom chain.[3] That moment put it in the spotlight at a major event, complete with photos from Getty Images capturing the hype.[3]
Other Pikachu Illustrators exist and have sold at auctions, but none match this one’s perfect grade and public exhibition history. Logan plans to auction his card in early 2026 through Goldin Auctions, where its rarity could push the price even higher.[2] For collectors, spotting one in an exhibition like that proves just how exclusive these cards are in the real world. Keep an eye on PokemonPricing.com for updates as auction time nears.
