Logan Paul Auctions Rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon Card for $16.5 Million
Logan Paul, a renowned influencer and WWE star, has made headlines with the auction of a rare Pokémon card. This time, he sold the Pikachu Illustrator card for an astonishing $16.5 million. The auction, held by Goldin Auctions, concluded after intense bidding, marking a significant milestone in the trading card market.
Details of the Auction
The Pikachu Illustrator card, one of only 39 ever created for a Pokémon illustration competition in the late 1990s, led to Paul’s previous record sale of $5.275 million for a similar card. This latest transaction earned him an estimated profit of over $8 million after auction fees. The auction ran for 42 days and culminated in a last-minute bidding frenzy that elevated the price from $6.882 million.
Key Auction Highlights
- Final sale price: $16.492 million
- Total bids: 97
- Initial price held at: $6.882 million before last-minute offers
Paul’s success in this auction was celebrated live on YouTube, where he expressed sheer disbelief at the outcome. “Oh my gosh, this is crazy,” he exclaimed as confetti fell following the auction’s conclusion. A Guinness World Records official later confirmed that this sale established a new record for the most expensive trading card ever auctioned.
The Rarity of the Pikachu Illustrator Card
The Pikachu Illustrator card is deemed “the holy grail of all Pokémon cards” by experts. It is the only Illustrator card classified as a Grade 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), making it the most sought-after card in the collectible market. According to Goldin Auctions founder Ken Goldin, Pokémon cards have surged in value, outperforming both sports cards and traditional investments.
Logan Paul’s Collecting Journey
Paul’s journey in the collectible world is notable. In July 2021, he acquired the Grade 10 card by trading a Grade 9 Pikachu Illustrator, valued at $1.275 million, along with $4 million in cash. His enthusiasm for rare items extends beyond cards to encompass NFTs and other collectibles.
Impacts on the Collectibles Market
Pokémon remains the highest-grossing media franchise globally, surpassing even industry giants like Disney and Star Wars. Cards from this franchise have skyrocketed in value, with some appreciated more than 3,000% over the past two decades. Logan Paul’s recent sale further emphasizes Pokémon’s cultural significance and investment potential in the collectible space.
As Paul bids farewell to the card, he posted on Instagram, “Goodbye my friend. What a privilege it’s been to be the owner of the greatest collectible in the world.” With such remarkable figures, Paul continues to be a prominent figure in the evolving world of trading cards and collectibles.
