Key Facts
- ✓ Logan Paul is selling the Guinness World Record-holding Pikachu Illustrator card via the auction site Goldin.
- ✓ The card is rated PSA 10 (Gem Mint), the highest possible quality rating, and is one of only 40 ever made.
- ✓ Paul has offered to hand-deliver the card and include a bejeweled chain valued at $75,000 for the winning bidder.
- ✓ Early bids have reached $2.1 million, surpassing the value of other high-end collectible card sales.
Quick Summary
Influencer and wrestler Logan Paul has put the most expensive Pokémon trading card in existence up for auction. The card, a mint condition Pikachu Illustrator rated PSA 10, holds the Guinness World Record for the highest price paid for a Pokémon card. Paul originally acquired the card in 2021 for $5.3 million.
The current auction is being hosted on the site Goldin. As of the latest update, bidding has already surpassed $2.1 million with 39 days left until the sale concludes. To incentivize higher bids, Paul is offering a unique bonus: he will hand-deliver the card to the ultimate winner and include a bejeweled chain he values at $75,000.
The card itself is exceptionally rare. Only 40 copies were ever manufactured and given away as prizes for a 1998 Japanese fan contest. Of those 40, only this specific copy has received the highest possible quality rating of PSA 10. Paul has strategically timed the auction to end next month, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, a period expected to generate significant fan excitement.
The Auction and Incentives
Logan Paul has officially listed his prized Pokémon asset for sale through the auction platform Goldin. The listing features the Pikachu Illustrator card, which holds the title of the most expensive Pokémon trading card in existence according to Guinness World Records. Paul acquired the card in 2021 for a total of $5.3 million.
The auction includes a specific incentive designed to drive up the final price. Paul has stated that he will personally hand-deliver the card to the person who places the winning bid. Additionally, the package will include a bejeweled chain that Paul asserts is worth an additional $75,000.
Paul has been seen wearing both the card and the chain during high-profile public appearances. He notably wore the items during his WWE debut at WrestleMania 38 and again during his boxing match against Anthony Joshua in Miami last month. The auction has already generated significant financial interest, with early bids reaching $2.1 million despite 39 days remaining in the sale period.
"Paul has said he'll add to the card's value by throwing in a bejeweled chain (which he says is worth another $75,000) and hand deliver it to the auction's ultimate winner."
— Logan Paul
Card Rarity and History
The Pikachu Illustrator card is widely considered the 'holy grail' of Pokémon collecting due to its extreme scarcity. The card's history dates back to Japan in 1998, where it was produced in extremely limited quantities. Only 40 copies were ever manufactured, and they were awarded exclusively to winners of a Pokémon fan contest held that year.
Among these 40 rare cards, Paul's copy is unique because it has received a PSA 10 rating. This designation indicates 'Gem Mint' condition, the highest possible grade for card quality, and is considered unsurpassable for this specific item. The card's previous transaction history highlights its immense value. In 2021, Paul secured the card by trading a lower-grade Pikachu Illustrator valued at $1.275 million, combined with $4 million in cash.
The current value of Paul's card significantly outpaces other high-end collectible sales. For context, a Magic: The Gathering Black Lotus card sold in 2024 for $3 million in bitcoin. Paul's card remains several million dollars higher than that benchmark, solidifying its status as the top-selling card in the genre.
Strategic Timing and Market Impact
The decision to list the card now appears to be a calculated move to maximize profitability. Logan Paul has set the auction to conclude next month, placing it directly in the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. This timeline is expected to coincide with a surge in brand enthusiasm and media coverage.
Anticipation is building within the community for major announcements from The Pokémon Company. Industry observers expect the anniversary period to bring news regarding new video game releases and a potential 10th generation of Pokémon creatures. There is also speculation regarding more details on the upcoming life simulation spin-off, Pokémon Pokopia.
By aligning the sale with these anticipated events, Paul is likely aiming to capitalize on peak consumer interest. The combination of the card's historic rarity, the personal delivery incentive, and the franchise's upcoming milestones creates a unique environment for the auction's final valuation.
