Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Card Sets Auction Record

A Pikachu Illustrator card owned by U.S. influencer Logan Paul has set a new auction record, selling for $16,492,000 at Goldin Auctions on February 16. According to BlockBeats, this card, considered the 'Holy Grail' of Pokémon collectibles, achieved a hammer price of $13.3 million, with an additional 24% buyer's premium bringing the total to over three times the amount Paul paid in 2021. The card, which originated from a 1998 Pokémon illustration contest in Japan's CoroCoro Comic magazine, is one of only 39-41 ever awarded and was never publicly sold. It was hand-drawn by Pikachu's original designer, Atsuko Nishida, and features the exclusive 'Illustrator' designation. Logan Paul's card is the only known PSA 10 graded example, earning it the nickname 'Mona Lisa of the Pokémon world.' The auction lasted 41 days and saw intense bidding, culminating in 97 bids during an extended bidding phase. Logan Paul attended the event, delivering the card along with a diamond-encrusted necklace he wore at WrestleMania 38 to the new owner, reportedly AJ Scaramucci, founder of Solari Capital and son of former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci.