Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon Card Just Sold for an Unbelievable Sum

In a historic display of the enduring power of the Pokémon brand, the legendary Pikachu Illustrator card has shattered all previous records for trading card sales. On February 16, the New Jersey-based Goldin Auctions confirmed that the card sold for a staggering $16,492,000.

This figure marks the highest price ever paid for a collectible trading card, surpassing even the most iconic sports memorabilia in existence. The card’s journey to this eight-figure valuation began in 1998, when it was originally distributed as a prize for illustration contests held by the Japanese magazine CoroCoro.

Featuring art by Atsuko Nishida, the original designer of Pikachu, only 39 of these cards were initially awarded. With just 41 copies confirmed to exist globally, it represents the ultimate “holy grail” for collectors.

This specific copy is particularly legendary because it is the only one in the world to carry a perfect “GEM MT 10” grade from the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). The auction started on January 6 at $500,000, and as the deadline approached, a frantic bidding war pushed the price from $6 million to the final winning bid of $13.3 million, which totaled over $16 million after the buyer’s premium.

The card was previously owned by influencer Logan Paul, who famously wore it around his neck during his 2022 WrestleMania debut. Paul originally acquired the card in 2021 through a combination of $4 million in cash and a lower-graded version of the same card.

During a live stream marking the end of the auction, Paul officially handed the prize over to its new owner, A.J. Scaramucci, a venture capitalist and the son of former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci.

JUST IN: Logan Paul's 'Pikachu Illustrator' Pokémon card sells for record-breaking $16,492,000 pic.twitter.com/oQY0ihye5U

— Remarks (@remarks) February 16, 2026

While the physical card market continues to hit astronomical heights, the Pokémon video game franchise is also gearing up for a massive year as it approaches its 30th anniversary.

Fans are currently looking forward to the release of Pokémon Pokopia, a brand-new sandbox-style game scheduled to launch on March 5. This title is expected to be a major exclusive for the recently released Nintendo Switch 2, following the somewhat mixed critical reception of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in late 2025.

Beyond the console games, the digital trading card scene is also thriving with the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket app. Meanwhile, the professional circuit remains more competitive than ever, with the European International Championships having just concluded in London, where Edwyn Mesman took the top spot in the TCG Masters Division.

Logan Paul, the card’s former owner, is also pivoting toward new ventures this year. He recently moved his popular IMPAULSIVE podcast to a new digital network in partnership with WWE and Fanatics, and he continues to be a staple in the wrestling ring.

Even as the digital and physical markets continue to merge, the rarity of these vintage items ensures they remain the crown jewels of the collecting world. With the 30th anniversary celebrations officially kicking off later this month on Pokémon Day, the franchise shows no signs of losing its cultural—or financial—momentum.

Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.