Ultra-rare Pokémon card could sell for over $325,000

By Dean Murray via SWNS

A rare Pokémon card could sell for £250,000 (over $325,000)

The Pikachu 'Illustrator' card is a version of the same card acquired by YouTube superstar Logan Paul for £4m ($5.3m) in 2021, setting a Guinness World Record as the most expensive ever purchased.

The collectible’s design features Pikachu joyfully illustrating fellow Pokémon characters Charmander and Mew.

French auction house Aguttes said: "No other Pokémon card can match the combination of popularity, rarity, and mythical status of the Pikachu Illustrator. With its iconic design and rich history, it is the most coveted card in the Pokémon franchise."

Francois Thierry, Aguttes Collectible Card Expert: "This card is a true trophy, a must-have for the biggest Pokémon enthusiasts. Owning this item places them among the world’s most unique collections."

The card was designed by the artist Atsuko Nishida, who helped create the character of Pikachu for the Game Boy video games.

Originally awarded to the winners of first and second place in a drawing contest by CoroCoro Comics in January 1998, this card is now one of the most sought-after pieces by collectors.

The publication initially distributed 23 copies of this now collector's item. Subsequent art contests, which asked participants to design their own Pokémon cards, awarded 16 additional copies, bringing the total to an estimated 39, although more copies have since surfaced and been authenticated.

The Aguttes collectible cards sale runs online from 15-22 October.