nuSep 23, 2026, 11:42

'Holy grail' of Pokémon cards sells for $5 million at auction

A rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card has sold for $5 million at a Heritage Auctions event. The card, one of a limited number awarded to winners of a 1998 design contest, was rated in excellent condition by professional graders.

A rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card was recently sold at Heritage Auctions for $5 million. The card, often considered the holy grail of Pokémon collecting, was originally created for three illustration contests held in 1998, with only a limited number distributed to competition winners. Designed by Pikachu creator Atsuko Nishida, the specific card auctioned in Texas was graded by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) as a 9 out of 10, indicating excellent condition.

While the $5 million price tag is significant, it remains below the record-breaking sale earlier this year by YouTuber Logan Paul. Paul sold a unique version of the same card, which holds the only known perfect PSA grade of 10, for approximately $16.5 million. The rarity of the card is attributed to its history as an exclusive prize for contest winners, with the specific design featuring a pen illustration and the distinct 'Illustrator' label at the top of the card.

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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