‘Holy grail’ Pokémon card fetches $5 million at auction

By Charlie Fenton

A rare Pokémon "Pikachu" Illustrator card has sold for $5 million at auction.

The card, described as the "holy grail" of Pokémon collectibles, sold at Heritage Auctions last week, Sept. 18, in Texas.

Its rarity comes from the fact that there are only 39 copies worldwide.

This is because it was only obtainable through an illustration contest publicized in CoroCoro Comics, which took place in 1998.

It is reported that participants had to design and draw their own original Pokémon card to take part.

The Pikachu Illustrator was awarded to the winners of the initial three contests.

The first contest awarded 23 copies, with the following two awarding 8 copies each for a total of 39 copies distributed.

To make it even more exceptional, this card is the only one to bear the pen symbol in the bottom right corner and the only card to feature the word "Illustrator" at the top.

The artwork was done by legendary artist, Atsuko Nishida, the original creator of Pikachu.

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) graded it a 9, which is the same as 14 other copies.

Only one is graded a PSA 10, which once belonged to YouTuber Logan Paul before it was sold for $16.5 million earlier this year.

This card sold for the staggering $4,000,000 after 28 bids.

Including the buyer's premium, this equates to $5 million.

The card has been awarded the MBA Gold Diamond, meaning it is exceptional for its grade.

Its full listing name is Pokémon "Pikachu" Illustrator Unnumbered Promo CoroCoro Comics PSA Trading Card Game Mint 9 (The Pokémon Company, 1998) MBA Gold Diamond.