The most expensive Pokémon card in the world is the 1998 Illustrator Pikachu card. It was originally awarded as a prize for a CoroCoro Magazine art competition and features Pikachu holding a paintbrush. This card is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. It was sold for a record-breaking $5,275,000, making it the priciest Pokémon card ever sold. Social media influencer and WWE superstar Logan Paul notably purchased this card and even wore it during his Wrestlemania entrance
. Other highly valuable cards include:
- The Test Print Blastoise Gold Border (1998), which sold for $216,000 and has only about 5 copies known to exist
- The 1999 Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Charizard, which has sold for around $420,000
- The 1998 Pikachu Silver Trophy card, sold for $444,000
However, none have surpassed the Illustrator Pikachu in value to date. The rarity, condition (grading), and unique history of the Illustrator Pikachu contribute to its unparalleled price.
