Logan Paul is set to part ways with his highly coveted Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, which has already made headlines by exceeding bidding records ahead of its auction conclusion on February 15. Paul shared an emotional farewell message, expressing his gratitude for the time he spent with the card, which he acquired for over $5 million in 2021.
In his message, Paul reflected on the card’s significant journey, stating, “Goodbye my friend 😢 What a privilege it’s been to be the owner of the greatest collectible in the world.” He highlighted the card’s prominence, mentioning its presence in various platforms from Guinness World Records to WWE events, and noted that it is about to find a new home via Goldin Auctions, with the entire process being streamed live on his YouTube channel.
He likened the experience to completing a major milestone in a Pokémon game, stating, “This sorta feels like that moment when you beat the Elite Four, get inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the game restarts.” Paul’s current excitement speaks to his enthusiasm for new adventures in the Pokémon realm, hoping for a fresh journey after this significant chapter.
The Pikachu Illustrator card is one of the rarest collectibles from the late 1990s, with only about 40 of them believed to exist, as they were not commercially available but rather awarded to winners of the Pokémon Card Game Illustrator Contest. The value of such cards has significantly increased over the years, with the estimates for Paul’s card expected to surpass $12 million.
Ken Goldin, who heads Goldin Auctions, played a pivotal role in this auction by offering Paul a substantial advance of $2.5 million to present the card as the centerpiece of what he is calling “the Biggest Pokémon and trading card game auction ever.” This auction, which commenced in January and concludes soon, showcases the peak of the Pokémon trading card craze that has captivated collectors and fans alike.
Historically, Paul has showcased this prized possession at WWE events and other significant occasions as a unique diamond necklace, previously worn with a Charizard card before it became the star of his collection. With renewed interest in collectible cards, this auction marks a remarkable moment in the trading card community, promising to further elevate the status of Pokémon memorabilia.