Logan Paul's Pikachu Card Sells for Record Price

A very rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, once owned by Logan Paul, has sold for a record $16.49 million. This makes it the most expensive trading card ever sold. The sale happened at Goldin Auctions.
By Newsroom | Collectibles, Sports & Entertainment |

A significant event in the collectibles market occurred recently with the sale of Logan Paul's highly sought-after Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card. The transaction, facilitated through Goldin Auctions, reportedly concluded at $16.49 million, establishing a new world record for the most expensive trading card ever sold. This event has drawn considerable attention due to the card's rarity and its association with the public figure Logan Paul, known for his high-profile dealings in the collectibles space.

Logan Paul Pokémon Card Sells for $16.4M, Shattering the World Record for Rarest Collectable - 1

High-Stakes Transaction in Collectibles Market

The sale of the Pikachu Illustrator card represents a pivotal moment, not only for Pokémon trading cards but for the broader collectibles industry. The final price achieved surpasses previous records, underscoring the escalating value placed on rare and iconic items. The card itself is described as one of the rarest in existence, with only 39 copies created for a Pokémon illustration competition in the late 1990s. The auction's progression and eventual record-breaking sale highlight the intense global interest and substantial financial commitment involved in acquiring such unique assets.

Read More: Logan Paul's Rare Pokémon Card Sells for $16.4 Million

Logan Paul Pokémon Card Sells for $16.4M, Shattering the World Record for Rarest Collectable - 2

Context of the Sale

The Pikachu Illustrator card, considered by many to be a "holy grail" for Pokémon collectors, has a documented history with Logan Paul. He acquired a PSA 10 GEM MINT graded version in 2021 for $5.275 million, a deal that also involved trading another Pokémon card and a cash component. This previous acquisition itself set a world record at the time. The recent auction, handled by Goldin Auctions, saw the bidding process extended and, according to the auction house, opened early due to "overwhelming global interest." The final sale price included not only the card but also a diamond necklace and its case, with Logan Paul himself stating his intention to personally deliver the item to the successful bidder.

Logan Paul Pokémon Card Sells for $16.4M, Shattering the World Record for Rarest Collectable - 3

Evidence of the Transaction

  • The sale price is consistently reported across multiple sources as $16.49 million or $16,492,000.

  • Guinness World Records confirmed the sale as the most expensive trading card ever auctioned.

  • Goldin Auctions managed the sale, with its founder and CEO, Ken Goldin, noting the "unbelievable amount of interest" that led to the auction opening ahead of its original schedule.

  • Logan Paul himself publicly acknowledged the sale, expressing a sense of privilege in owning what he called "the greatest collectible in the world" and stating his intention to hand-deliver the card.

  • Financial details indicate the sale price was more than three times Paul's original investment.

The Pikachu Illustrator Card: Rarity and Value

The Pikachu Illustrator card's immense value is intrinsically linked to its extreme rarity.

Read More: Logan Paul's Pikachu Card Sells for $16.49 Million

Logan Paul Pokémon Card Sells for $16.4M, Shattering the World Record for Rarest Collectable - 4

  • Limited Production: Only 39 of these cards were initially produced for a contest held in 1998.

  • Unique Acquisition Method: Unlike most Pokémon cards, the Pikachu Illustrator was never available in traditional booster packs; it was exclusively awarded to winners of a calligraphy contest sponsored by CoroCoro Comic.

  • Grading and Condition: The specific card sold by Logan Paul is a PSA 10 GEM MINT version, meaning it is considered to be in perfect condition. It is reported as the only PSA-graded version with a perfect grade in existence.

  • Pop Culture Iconography: Pikachu is the flagship character of the Pokémon franchise, which remains a dominant global intellectual property, further amplifying the card's appeal.

Logan Paul's Involvement and Fractional Ownership Questions

Logan Paul's history with high-value collectibles, including this specific Pikachu Illustrator card, is well-documented. His previous purchase for $5.275 million also set a record.

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  • Previous Acquisition: In 2021, Paul acquired the card for $5.275 million, a deal involving cash and a PSA 9 version of the same card.

  • Fractional Ownership: Information suggests that at some point, the card was made available through Liquid Marketplace, allowing for fractional ownership, where individuals could buy "tokens" or shares of the high-value item.

  • Buy-Back Claims: In December 2025, Paul announced he had bought back the card from Liquid Marketplace for a "substantial buyout amount," intended for distribution to fractional owners. The exact details and clarity surrounding this buy-back and the subsequent distribution of funds have led to questions from some observers.

  • Public Scrutiny: Some online commentary has suggested that investors in the fractional ownership platform might consider legal action due to concerns about the sale process and the distribution of funds.

Expert Perspectives on the Collectibles Market

The record-breaking sale of the Pikachu Illustrator card has generated commentary from those within and observing the collectibles market.

"This is the biggest Pokémon and trading card game auction ever held, and the unbelievable amount of interest we've already received led us to open early." - Ken Goldin, Founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions.

This statement from Ken Goldin emphasizes the unprecedented level of global demand for this particular auction.

"From Guinness World Records to WWE debuts, Netflix to National News, this card and I have been on a generational run." - Logan Paul, on his experience as the owner of the card.

Paul's reflection highlights the card's significant role in his public persona and career milestones. The value placed on such items is a testament to their cultural significance and perceived investment potential within specific collector communities.

Conclusion and Implications

The sale of Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator card for $16.49 million unequivocally sets a new benchmark for trading card auctions. The transaction reinforces the immense financial value that rare collectibles can command in the current market.

  • Record Shattered: The sale officially established a new Guinness World Record for the most expensive trading card ever auctioned.

  • Market Validation: The price achieved validates the growing financial importance of high-end collectibles as an asset class.

  • Transparency Questions: While the sale itself is a verifiable event, inquiries remain regarding the specifics of the Liquid Marketplace fractional ownership and the buy-back process initiated by Logan Paul. The nature of these past arrangements and how they interfaced with the final sale to a single buyer warrants continued examination.

  • Future Market Impact: This record-breaking sale is likely to further energize the collectibles market, potentially influencing the valuation of other rare items and the strategies of both collectors and auction houses.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much did Logan Paul's Pikachu card sell for?
The card sold for $16.49 million. This is a new world record for a trading card.
Q: Is this card rare?
Yes, only 39 of these special Pikachu Illustrator cards were made. Logan Paul's card was in perfect condition.
Q: Who bought the card?
The name of the buyer has not been shared. The sale was handled by Goldin Auctions.
Q: What was Logan Paul's history with this card?
Logan Paul bought the card in 2021 for over $5 million. He also allowed people to buy small parts of it before.
Q: Are there any questions about the sale?
Some people have questions about how Logan Paul handled selling parts of the card before this big sale.