As the auctioneer’s gavel fell, a hush enveloped the room, and disbelief rippled through the audience. Logan Paul’s ‘Pikachu Illustrator’ card had crossed an unimaginable threshold, selling for $16.49 million, a crowning moment in collectible history. The sheer weight of the transaction left everyone questioning the value of passion—how much would you pay for a piece of nostalgia?
Logan Paul’s ‘Pikachu Illustrator’ Breaks World Record for the Most Expensive Collectible Card Ever Sold
The ‘PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator,’ revered as one of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence, changed hands during a dramatic showdown at Goldin Auctions on February 16, 2026. This illustrious card, now holding the Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold, was graded a flawless GEM Mint 10 by PSA.
Originally purchased for $5.2 million in Dubai back in July 2021, it once set the bar for collectible cards. Paul didn’t stop there; he enveloped the card in luxury, spending $75,000 on custom housing—adorned with 35 carats of natural diamonds and a 10-karat pure Italian gold chain. This extravagant casing even made an appearance at WrestleMania 38.
The bidding process kicked off on January 5 and extended for 41 days, fueled by a surge of global interest. By the end, the auction had transformed into a battleground for collectors, leading to a final bid that not just broke records, but redefined them.
What made the ‘Pikachu Illustrator’ card so valuable?
A.J. Scaramucci, the fortunate new owner and son of former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, described the win as just the beginning of his venture into collectible treasures. His ambitions extend far beyond this singular card; he announced plans for a platform named TreasureTrove that aims to document the world’s most extraordinary collectibles. With a keen eye for expansion, he’s even expressed interest in acquiring the custom case and iconic Poké Ball necklace that accompanied Paul’s card.
How does this sale affect Pokémon TCG collectors?
This monumental sale not only resets the record books but also revitalizes interest in Pokémon TCG among both collectors and newcomers. It’s a magnetic pull that might very well inspire many fans to delve into their own collections.
For the Pokémon community, this event echoes like a battle cry. As people flock to collect, will the market become saturated, or will this light a fire of renewed passion and competition?