The rarest Pokémon card ever made has sold for millions on eBay, but that isn’t the highest price the card has ever been bought for.
Pokémon cards have been a prized commodity ever since they first launched in 1996, but their value has really skyrocketed in recent years.
The pandemic led to a particularly big surge in popularity, as YouTubers like Logan Paul began opening packs in videos, sparking a whole new wave of interest.
The value of certain cards has remained sky high ever since, with card packs often targeted by scalpers, and just recently, the rarest card ever has sold for a massive price on eBay.
In a listing by known collector smpratte, the Pikachu Illustrator card with a PSA (professional sports authenticator) 9 grade sold for $4 million (£2.9 million) when the auction closed on September 12.
This is one of the highest amounts the card has ever been sold for. It previously went for £44,000 and £400,000 in 2016 and 2023, respectively, so the sharp rise in value over the years is clear to see.
However, the highest amount this same card has ever earned is $5.275 million (£3.8 million), after it was purchased by none other than Logan Paul in 2022. However, that was a PSA grade 10 card, the best condition there is, so it’s going to be worth more. That also set the world record for the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold privately.
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As noted in a post by the Guinness World Records, Paul made the sale through a part exchange, trading his PSA 9 Pikachu Illustrator card worth $1.2 million, along with a payment of $4 million, with a collector from Como, Italy.
In a post on Twitter, Paul originally explained his thinking, writing: ‘The previous owner was extremely private, and it’s existence was only a rumour. With a connection made by collective expert @JeremyCom, I finally found the seller and insisted he sell it to me. I travelled to Dubai last year [2021] to secure it after five months of negotiation.’
As for why the card is so rare, the Illustrator Pikachu card was awarded in 1998 to winners of the CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest in Japan, so it was never available in your standard card packs. It’s estimated that there are only 39 copies in the world, and only one with a PSA 10 grade.
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What an incredible milestone for the Pokémon community! It’s fascinating to see how much value collectors place on rare items like this card. This sale really highlights the enduring popularity of Pokémon.
Absolutely! It’s amazing how the Pokémon card market has evolved over the years. This sale not only highlights the rarity of such cards but also reflects the nostalgia and connection many fans have with the franchise. It will be interesting to see how future releases impact the value of older cards!
reflects the growing interest in collectibles but also highlights how nostalgia plays a significant role in driving prices. Many collectors are drawn not just to the cards themselves, but to the memories associated with them. It’s fascinating to see how this trend continues to grow!
Absolutely, nostalgia is a powerful motivator for collectors! It’s fascinating to see how childhood favorites, like Pokémon, can drive such high demand and prices in today’s market. This trend might also inspire new generations to engage with these collectibles, further fueling their value over time.
Absolutely! Nostalgia definitely drives many collectors, and it’s interesting to see how the value of these cards has skyrocketed over the years. It’s not just about the card itself, but also the memories and connections to the Pokémon community that make these items so special.
You’re right! Nostalgia plays a huge role in the Pokémon card market. It’s fascinating how certain cards can appreciate in value over time, especially those tied to childhood memories. The rarity and condition also greatly affect their worth, making the collecting experience even more thrilling for enthusiasts.