The Pikachu Illustrator Card was released in 1998 as a prize for winners of an art contest hosted by CoroCoro Comic magazine in Japan. Illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, the original Pikachu designer, it features a unique image of Pikachu drawing other Pokémon. It is the only Pokémon card ever to display “Illustrator” instead of the standard “Trainer” label. This card is widely recognized as the rarest and most valuable Pokémon card ever made, held in high regard by collectors and fans alike.
Specifications
Feature
Detail
Card Name
Pikachu Illustrator
Type
Promotional / Contest Winner
Year of Release
1998
Issued By
CoroCoro Comic (Japan)
Artist
Atsuko Nishida
Card Label
“Illustrator” (not “Trainer”)
Artwork Description
Pikachu drawing other Pokémon
Original Purpose
Art contest prize
Total Issued (Initial)
About 20 cards
Estimated Total Today
39 to 41 known copies
Graded PSA 10 Copies
Only 1 (owned by Logan Paul)
Highest Sale Price
$5.275 million (private sale)
Languages Available
Japanese only
Grading and Market Value
Grade
Approximate Value
Notable Sale Examples
PSA 10
$5.275 million
Sold privately to Logan Paul
PSA 9
$1.3 million
Via trade and cash deal
PSA 8
$480,000–$672,000
Public and private auctions
PSA 7
$375,000
Auction sale
Historical Significance
Category
Information
Event Origin
Art contest by CoroCoro Comic
Target Audience
Japanese children (artists/contestants)
Cultural Significance
Considered the “holy grail” of Pokémon TCG
Notable Owner
Logan Paul (owns only PSA 10 copy)
Popularity
Featured in global media and documentaries
Counterfeit Risk
Known fakes exist; high authentication needed
Rarity and Availability
Detail
Estimate / Status
Total Publicly Known Copies
39 to 41
PSA-Graded Cards
Around 24 graded
CGC-Graded Cards
Around 13 graded
Still in Circulation
Very few; most privately held
Frequently Auctioned
Rarely, due to extreme scarcity
Why It’s So Valuable
Historical Importance: Direct link to early Pokémon TCG history.
Extremely Limited Release: Fewer than 50 known cards.
Unique Design: Only card labeled “Illustrator”.
Popularity of Pikachu: Featuring the franchise’s mascot.
Collector Demand: A symbol of prestige in the TCG world.
