Logan Paul's rare Pokémon card sells for record-breaking R264 million

A RARE Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card owned by YouTuber Logan Paul has sold for a record-breaking $16,492,000 (R264 million), making it the most expensive Pokémon trading card sold at an auction. The card, graded PSA 10, was bought by AJ Scaramucci, son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.

Paul originally purchased the card in 2021 for $5.28 million and has now made a significant profit. The card's value is attributed to its rarity, the character's popularity, and the artist, Atsuko Nishida, the original creator of Pikachu. The card was released as a prize in a 1998 illustration contest and was never originally sold.

The PSA 10 grade indicates the card is virtually perfect, with four perfectly sharp corners, sharp focus, and full original gloss. The card's value has exploded in recent years, not just among fans of the game but also among investors.

Factors determining value include the cards' rarity, the character (Mew, Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Charizard tend to be more valuable), and the artist.

The card was sold at an auction held by Goldin, with Guinness World Records present to certify the sale.

After the auction, Paul placed the card, attached to a $75,000 diamond necklace, around Scaramucci's neck. The sale price includes a buyer's premium, making it the priciest trading card overall sold at an auction.