The so-called “Holy Grail” of Pokémon cards made history again after Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $16,492,000 USD at a high-profile auction. The price set a new world record for the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction. That's nearly triple the original price Paul paid in 2021, proving that the value of rare collectibles on the global market continues to rise.
The card in question is considered the rarest Pokémon card in the world. It was released in 1998 as a prize in an illustration contest, and it is estimated that only 39 copies were officially distributed. The one Paul holds is even more special because it is the only one with a PSA Gem Mint 10 grading, meaning it is in perfect condition. The card also features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, the original designer of Pikachu, and has a unique “Illustrator” header and pen icon.
In 2021, Logan Paul purchased the card for $5.275 million USD, which was also a world record at the time. It became an even more pop culture moment when he wore the card on a custom diamond-encrusted chain during his wrestling debut. The chain, which is worth approximately $80,000 USD, was also included in the auction package, further increasing the prestige and value of the lot.
After a fierce bidding war, the final bid reached $13.3 million USD before adding the buyer's premium, bringing the total price to nearly $16.5 million USD. The winning bidder was identified as A.J. Scaramucci, who personally received the card from Paul in a public handover. As a result, the card officially holds the title as the most expensive Pokémon card and trading card ever sold at auction, surpassing the previous record set by a 1952 Mickey Mantle card.
Overall, this historic sale demonstrates how the market for high-end trading cards and alternative investments continues to expand. For Logan Paul, it's a massive return on investment, while for collectors, it's clear that rare memorabilia remains a symbol of prestige, nostalgia, and extreme value in the modern era.
