The collectibles world has a new king. On February 16, 2026, the legendary “Pikachu Illustrator” card was sold for a staggering $16,492,000 (approx. 2,528,000,000 JPY) through the premier U.S. auction house, Goldin. This historic sale doesn’t just top the Pokémon charts—it officially becomes the most expensive trading card ever sold in history, shattering previous Guinness World Records.

A 300% Return in Just Five Years

The card was consigned by none other than Logan Paul, the polarizing YouTuber and WWE superstar. Paul originally made headlines in 2021 when he acquired the card for $5,275,000 (approx. 800,000,000 JPY)—a price that earned him a Guinness World Record at the time.

By more than tripling his investment in just five years, Paul has once again redefined the ceiling for “alternative assets.” The auction lot was a true “celebrity set,” featuring the PSA 10 card alongside the $75,000 custom diamond-encrusted pendant Paul famously wore during his WrestleMania 38 debut.

What Makes the “Illustrator” the Holy Grail?

To the uninitiated, it’s just a piece of cardboard. But to the TCG community, the “Pikachu Illustrator” is the ultimate prize.

・Extreme Rarity: Originally released in 1998, these were never sold in stores. They were awarded only to winners of the “Pokémon Card Game Illustration Contest” in the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic.

・The “One of One”: While roughly 40 copies are believed to exist, Logan Paul’s copy is the only one in the world to be graded a PSA 10 (Gem Mint).

・Iconic Art: It features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, the original creator of Pikachu.

Pokemon Illustrator : Old Back [PMCG-P](Promotional Cards “Illustration Artist Contest”)

Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Twitter