Logan Paul just made waves in the Pokemon card world by dropping $5.3 million on what he calls the rarest card out there, a PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator[1][2][3]. This isn’t your everyday purchase, and it’s sparking talk about how these ultra-rare cards stack up against high-end art pieces like a Picasso or a Warhol.
Think about it: only about 39 Pikachu Illustrator cards exist in the world, and Logan’s is the single one graded a perfect 10 by PSA, the top grading service for cards[2][3]. That kind of scarcity mirrors rare art, where a painting might be one of just a handful from a master artist. Just like art collectors chase pieces with proven history and limited supply, Paul grabbed this card in 2021, snagging a Guinness World Record for the priciest Pokemon sale ever at the time[1][2].
Paul, the YouTube star turned WWE wrestler and Prime drink co-founder, even wore the card on a $75,000 chain around his neck during matches[1][3]. He sees it as a smart play outside the usual stock market or real estate game. On Fox Business, he told young investors to skip the safe bets and go for items with real scarcity, like this “Holy Grail” card[1][3]. He bought it expecting value to climb, and now he’s auctioning it through Goldin in early 2026, guessing it could fetch $7 million to $12 million[1][3].
Why the art parallel? Rare art holds value because of its uniqueness, artist prestige, and demand from wealthy buyers. Pokemon cards at this level work the same way. Paul’s card is the best of the best, with no other PSA 10 out there[2]. Over the last 20 years, top collectibles like these have beaten stock market returns, according to market trackers[3]. Even in the past year, card investments jumped 46 percent, topping Nvidia stock and the S&P 500[3].
Paul warns not every collectible wins long-term, so stick to the absolute top tier with tiny supply[1]. His move puts a spotlight on Pokemon’s high end, much like when a rare painting hits Sotheby’s and sets new benchmarks. With the auction coming soon, collectors watch to see if it breaks records again and what it means for prices on sites like PokemonPricing.com[2].
This sale could pull more trophy cards to market, giving everyone clearer prices at the peak[2]. For folks tracking values, it’s a reminder that the rarest Pokemon cards play by art world rules: scarcity plus hype equals big bucks. Keep an eye on that Goldin auction, as the final hammer price might redefine what’s possible for your collection.
