The sale of Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card has concluded, reaching a final price of $16.49 million. This sum marks a new benchmark for Pokémon card sales, attracting significant attention within the collectibles market. The auction's extended bidding period saw considerable activity before its final close.
The Highly Valued Pikachu Illustrator Card
The Pikachu Illustrator card holds a unique place in Pokémon history, contributing to its considerable market value.
This particular card is graded GEM MT 10 by PSA, indicating a near-perfect condition.
It was originally distributed to winners of the Pokémon Card Game Illustrator Contest in the late 1990s.
Unlike commercially released cards, these were given as prizes, making them exceptionally scarce.
Estimates suggest there are only around 41 Pikachu Illustrator cards in existence globally.
Paul acquired the card for $5.275 million. He prominently displayed the card, even wearing it as a necklace with a custom Poké Ball diamond pendant valued at $75,000, during a wrestling event appearance. This elaborate presentation, alongside the card itself, was part of the auction lot.
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Auction Process and Price Progression
The auction for Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator card commenced with an opening bid of $500,000. The bidding process, managed by Goldin Auctions, spanned multiple weeks.
As of early February 2026, bids had surpassed $5.1 million.
By mid-February 2026, the highest bid had climbed to over $6 million.
The auction saw an extended bidding period, which significantly influenced the final sale price.
The auction officially closed on February 5, 2026, at a price of $16.49 million.
Ownership and Transaction Details
The sale of the Pikachu Illustrator card was complicated by prior transactions involving fractional ownership through a non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace.
Prior to the auction, shares in the card had reportedly been sold on the Liquid Marketplace.
This raised questions about full ownership rights and the necessity for Logan Paul to repurchase all shares before listing the card for auction.
Details regarding how fractional owners were compensated and the arrangements with Logan Paul concerning these shares were sought for clarification.
Public Engagement and Premium Offerings
The auction included unique incentives for the winning bidder.
Read More: Logan Paul's Pikachu Card Sells for Record Price
In addition to acquiring the card, the winner was offered the opportunity to meet Logan Paul.
Paul also stated his intention to hand-deliver the card to the successful bidder.
Expert Perspective
The rarity and historical significance of the Pikachu Illustrator card are key drivers of its market value.
Cards in mint condition (PSA 10 grade) are exceptionally rare due to the way collectible cards were often handled and played with in the past.
The Pikachu Illustrator card's unique origin as a contest prize, rather than a commercial product, adds to its allure.
Conclusion
The $16.49 million sale of Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator card has established a new record in the Pokémon card market. The card's exceptional grade, historical context, and Paul's high-profile association have contributed to its significant valuation. The preceding sale of fractional ownership through an NFT platform introduced complexities into the final transaction. The auction's culmination highlights the substantial financial investment individuals are willing to make in rare and historically significant collectibles.
Sources
Polygon: https://www.polygon.com/logan-paul-pikachu-illustrator-pokemon-card-auction-final-sale-price/
Published shortly after the auction concluded, providing the final sale price.
THE VALUE: https://en.thevalue.com/articles/logan-paul-world-record-pokemon-card-auction-goldin-2026
Reported on the auction's progress with an earlier, lower bid amount and details on the auction house and Paul's associated items.
Guinness World Records: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2026/1/logan-paul-puts-record-breaking-pokemon-card-he-bought-for-5275-million-up-for-auction
Documented the card's previous purchase price and Paul's decision to auction it.
Wargamer: https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/logan-paul-pikachu-illustrator
Highlighted potential issues with the sale related to prior fractional ownership via NFTs.
Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/collectibles/logan-paul-pokemon-psa-10-pikachu-illustrator-surges-over-6-million
Provided an update on the bidding reaching over $6 million and explained the card's rarity.
Pokescope: https://pokescope.app/blog/logan-paul-pikachu-illustrator-auction-2026/
Discussed the historical context of the Pikachu Illustrator card and its limited existence.
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