How Logan Paul's $16.5 Million Pikachu Card Sale Sets New World Record

Logan Paul's Pikachu card sold for $16.5 million, which is over 3 times what he paid for it in 2021.
By Newsroom | Collectibles, Business |

A Valuable Collectible Changes Hands Amidst Record-Breaking Sales and Past Controversy

Logan Paul, a prominent online personality, has sold an extremely rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for $16.5 million. This sale, conducted through an online auction house, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction. The buyer is identified as AJ Scaramucci, son of financier and former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. The event marks a significant moment in the collectibles market, where Pokémon cards, in particular, have seen a substantial rise in value in recent years.

Logan Paul sells rare Pokémon card for record price to Anthony Scaramucci's son - 1

Market Dynamics and the Ascent of Collectibles

The trading card market, especially for items related to popular Japanese animation franchises like Pokémon, has experienced a notable surge in value. This trend appears to be outpacing other investment avenues, with some reports comparing its growth to that of technology stocks. The sale of Logan Paul's card is situated within this broader context of escalating prices for rare collectibles.

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  • Timeline of Acquisition and Sale:

  • Logan Paul initially purchased the card in 2021 for $5.275 million. This previous purchase also set a Guinness World Record at the time for the most expensive Pokémon card sold.

  • The card was eventually sold on February 16, 2026, after a bidding period that spanned 41 days.

  • Key Figures Involved:

  • Logan Paul: The seller, a well-known YouTuber and professional wrestler.

  • AJ Scaramucci: The buyer, a venture capitalist and son of Anthony Scaramucci.

  • Goldin Auctions: The auction house that facilitated the sale.

  • Sarah Casson: A Guinness World Records adjudicator who was present to verify the sale's record-breaking status.

  • Ken Goldin: Auction boss at Goldin Auctions, noted for his role in encouraging Paul to sell.

  • Card Condition and Significance:

  • The Pikachu Illustrator card is described as a "Holy Grail" for collectors.

  • It is noted to be in pristine condition, likely achieving a PSA 10 "Gem Mint" grading, which is the highest possible rating. This rarity and condition are significant factors contributing to its value.

A Historic Auction and Verification

The auction concluded with a Guinness World Records adjudicator, Sarah Casson, officially confirming the sale price. The event was livestreamed on YouTube, with auction boss Ken Goldin reportedly playing a role in persuading Paul to part with the prized card. The final sale price was confirmed at $16,492,000, which was then rounded up to $16.5 million in many reports.

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"Congratulations to @LoganPaul and the team at @GoldinCo on a historic night 🥳" - Guinness World Records (@GWR)

Past Ownership and Associated Controversy

Logan Paul's ownership of the Pikachu Illustrator card has not been without its complexities. In 2022, he attempted to fractionalize ownership of the card through Liquid Marketplace. This move later led to criticism and a lawsuit, particularly after the platform went offline, leaving some investors seeking returns.

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  • Fractionalization and Criticisms:

  • Paul's plan involved offering ownership shares, but the platform's subsequent issues led to accusations of a "slop tokenization" scheme, with critics pointing out a lack of direct rights for token holders.

  • Gabriel Shapiro, Delphi Labs general counsel, described the situation as a "classic case of ‘slop tokenization.’"

  • Paul's Response to Criticism:

  • Paul stated that the platform's issues were beyond his control.

  • He asserted that he took steps to rectify the situation, including paying to restore the site to allow users to withdraw their funds.

  • He also denied allegations of using the card for a "NFT grift."

Expert Perspectives and Market Signals

The sale highlights a robust demand for tangible, rare collectibles. Some analyses suggest this trend might indicate a shift in investment strategies, with individuals potentially diversifying away from more traditional assets like stocks.

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  • Comparison to Other Markets: The surge in Pokémon card values is noted as outperforming even some tech stocks, such as Nvidia.

  • Investment Philosophy: Paul's message for younger generations emphasizes the potential to monetize passions, though he advises against abandoning established financial plans like 401(k)s.

  • Market Contrasts: The record-breaking sale of a physical collectible stands in stark contrast to the current downturn observed in the NFT (Non-Fungible Token) market, which deals in digital assets.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The $16.5 million sale of the Pikachu Illustrator card represents a significant financial transaction and a record for the trading card industry. It underscores the immense value that certain rare collectibles can command in the current market. While the sale solidifies Logan Paul's investment as highly profitable, it also brings to the forefront past controversies surrounding his attempts to leverage ownership of the card digitally. The event's official verification by Guinness World Records adds a layer of formal recognition to this high-stakes transaction.

  • Financial Outcome: Paul's initial investment of $5.275 million in 2021 yielded a profit of approximately $11.225 million.

  • Market Validation: The sale provides strong validation for the escalating values within the rare trading card sector.

  • Lingering Questions: The prior issues with fractional ownership and the associated legal and public relations fallout remain a notable aspect of the card's ownership history.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much did Logan Paul sell his rare Pikachu Pokémon card for?
Logan Paul sold his rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for $16.5 million. This sale was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction.
Q: Who bought the $16.5 million Pikachu card from Logan Paul?
The buyer of the card is AJ Scaramucci, who is the son of financier Anthony Scaramucci. The sale was handled by Goldin Auctions.
Q: Why is Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator card so valuable?
The Pikachu Illustrator card is considered a 'Holy Grail' for collectors due to its extreme rarity and pristine condition, likely achieving a top 'Gem Mint' rating. Its value has also risen with the overall increase in the trading card market.
Q: When did Logan Paul buy the Pikachu card and how much profit did he make?
Logan Paul bought the card in 2021 for $5.275 million and sold it on February 16, 2026. He made a profit of about $11.225 million from this sale.
Q: Were there any problems with Logan Paul owning the Pikachu card before?
Yes, in 2022, Logan Paul faced criticism and a lawsuit when he tried to sell ownership shares of the card online. The platform had issues, leading some investors to seek their money back.