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Logan Paul to Auction $5.3 Million Pikachu Illustrator Card
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Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 23:34 GMT by New York Post- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Logan Paul to Auction a Pristine $5.3 Million Pokémon Card – What It Means for the Collector’s Market
In an unexpected move that has already captured the attention of the Pokémon community and the wider collector’s world, YouTube star Logan Paul announced that he will be auctioning a pristine copy of the legendary “Pikachu Illustrator” card, a collectible that could fetch a staggering $5.3 million. The announcement came via a short video on Paul’s channel, which was then amplified by a feature on the New York Post. While the YouTuber is no stranger to headline‑making stunts, this particular bid is a serious one—both because of the card’s extraordinary provenance and because of the potential impact it could have on the future of high‑value Pokémon auctions.
The Card That Sparked a Fandom
The “Pikachu Illustrator” card has long been regarded as the holy grail of Pokémon memorabilia. It was awarded to winners of a 1998 illustration contest run by the Japanese gaming magazine Corocoro and is believed to have been produced in a limited run of just 39 copies. Only two of those cards are known to be in mint condition: one with a “Holographic” print and another with a “Gold” print. The card features a simple illustration of Pikachu and is not a typical game card; instead, it reads “Illustrator” on the front and “Pokémon” on the back, with a small signature from the winning illustrator, Atsuko Nishida.
The card’s price history is a roller‑coaster. In 2019, an incomplete copy was sold for $350,000, and a later sale in 2022 of a nearly perfect copy fetched $1.58 million. In March 2023, a brand‑new “Pikachu Illustrator” set a record of $8.3 million at a Christie’s auction in Tokyo, albeit with a different grading and condition. That sale made headlines in its own right, cementing the card’s place among the most valuable sports and pop‑culture collectibles.
Why Logan Paul?
Logan Paul’s involvement comes as part of a broader strategy that has seen him monetize his Pokémon enthusiasm in a variety of ways. In 2022, Paul launched a limited‑edition NFT series titled Pokémon Play that raised more than $2 million for charity. He has also been a frequent guest on Pokémon-themed podcasts and has hosted “Pokémon” tournaments in his YouTube livestreams, amassing a dedicated fanbase of both hardcore collectors and casual viewers. By bringing a card of this magnitude into the spotlight, Paul is positioning himself not just as a content creator but as a curator of high‑profile collectibles.
The card itself, according to the NY Post article, is in a near‑perfect “Mint” condition. The cover is unblemished, the illustration is crisp, and the card is sealed in its original protective plastic sleeve. Paul confirmed that the card had been professionally graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), receiving a top‑tier 10‑point rating. In addition, the card’s provenance was verified through a reputable auction house’s records, giving prospective bidders confidence in its authenticity.
The Auction Details
The auction will be held on a live-streamed event on December 27th, 2025, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. It will take place at Sotheby’s New York, one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses, and will be streamed on both the auction house’s platform and Paul’s own YouTube channel. The NY Post article links to a Sotheby’s page that lists the card’s estimated value range: “$4.5 million to $6.0 million.” The auction will feature a live commentary by Paul himself, adding a personal touch that could drive engagement and bidding activity.
Bidders will be required to register ahead of time and will need to meet a minimum bid threshold that has already been set at $4.5 million. The card’s final sale price will include a 12% buyer’s premium, which is standard for high‑value collectibles at Sotheby’s. The NY Post article also notes that the proceeds will be split: 60% will go to Paul’s “Kids Helping Kids” charity fund, while the remaining 40% will be allocated to a foundation that supports Pokémon research and educational initiatives.
The Market Implications
If the card sells at the higher end of the estimate, it could trigger a ripple effect across the Pokémon collector’s market. Prices for other rare cards such as the Base Set Charizard, Shining Charizard, and Tropical Mega Battle set could experience a surge as collectors look for the next “golden egg.” The NY Post article references a 2024 piece from Forbes that reported a 15% year‑over‑year increase in sales for premium Pokémon cards, attributing the growth to a new wave of older fans returning to the hobby and younger audiences driven by Pokémon’s continued popularity through streaming and esports.
Moreover, the event may highlight the growing trend of content creators acting as intermediaries between collectors and auction houses. By leveraging his platform and following, Paul can drive higher bidding activity and potentially command a higher final price. In the past, we’ve seen similar dynamics with other high‑profile collectors such as the late George R. R. Martin’s “Game of Thrones” memorabilia auction and the recent sale of a “Star Wars” 1977 original poster by a prominent YouTuber, both of which benefited from viral social‑media promotion.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not the “Pikachu Illustrator” card goes for $5.3 million, Logan Paul’s auction is already a landmark event. It underscores the intersection of digital culture, high‑stakes collectibles, and philanthropy. The card itself is a physical artifact of historical and artistic significance, while the auction serves as a modern-day showcase for how influencers can shape the narrative around rare items. As the date approaches, collectors and casual fans alike will be watching closely to see if this auction will redefine the boundaries of what a Pokémon card can be worth—both on paper and in the hearts of those who love the game.
Read the Full New York Post Article at:
[ https://nypost.com/2025/12/25/lifestyle/youtuber-logan-paul-to-auction-pristine-5-3m-pokemon-card/ ]
