A rare Pokémon trading card owned by online celebrity and WWE wrestler Logan Paul has sold for a staggering $16.492 million, setting a new world record. The card, featuring the iconic Pikachu, is now the most expensive Pokémon card and the most valuable trading card ever sold at auction.
Unique Pikachu Card and Its History
The card is one of just 39 prize cards printed for a 1998 Pokémon illustration contest, making it extremely rare. What makes it even more unique is that it is the only card to receive a perfect 10 out of 10 grading from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
Logan Paul purchased the card in 2021 for $5.275 million, which at the time set the world record for the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold. Paul famously showcased the card by wearing it around his neck during his WrestleMania 2022 debut, adding to its pop culture significance.
The combination of rarity, perfect grading, and celebrity ownership has made the card a highly coveted collectible among Pokémon fans and investors alike.
Auction and Record-Breaking Sale
The Pikachu card was listed for auction through Goldin, attracting global attention from collectors and investors. The auction ended with Anthony Scaramucci, a well-known investor, purchasing the card for $16.492 million.
This sale shattered Logan Paul’s previous record purchase price and further highlighted the booming market for rare collectibles and trading cards. Experts suggest that the value of high-grade Pokémon cards continues to rise as demand grows among both nostalgia-driven collectors and serious investors.
Growing Popularity of Pokémon Collectibles
The record-breaking sale underscores the surging global interest in rare Pokémon memorabilia. Cards with limited print runs, perfect grading, or celebrity connections are increasingly seen as alternative investments, similar to fine art or vintage sports collectibles.
Collectors consider factors such as:
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Rarity and print quantity
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Condition and grading
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Historical or pop culture significance
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Celebrity or investor ownership
With only 39 of these prize cards ever printed, the Pikachu card is a symbol of both nostalgia and investment potential. Its perfect PSA 10 grade sets it apart from all other Pokémon collectibles, ensuring its place in history as the most valuable trading card ever auctioned.
