Logan Paul Set to Auction World’s Most Expensive Pokémon Card
Social media mogul Logan Paul has officially announced the upcoming sale of what he describes as the “crowning jewel” of the trading card world. During a recent appearance on Fox Business Network’s The Big Money Show, Paul revealed he is putting his 1998 “Pikachu Illustrator” card up for bid—an asset he famously acquired in 2022 for a staggering $5.275 million.
The card is a legendary artifact from the franchise’s history, featuring artwork by the iconic illustrator Atsuko Nishida. It was originally distributed exclusively to winners of a CoroCoro Comic illustration contest in Japan. While only 39 copies were ever minted, the number of surviving examples in the wild remains unknown, adding to its immense mystique and market value.
This specific specimen has been awarded a perfect 10 grade by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), signifying its flawless state. According to Guinness World Records, it remains the most expensive Pokémon card ever exchanged in a private sale. To showcase the item, Paul commissioned a bespoke necklace crafted from solid gold and diamonds, featuring a matching jeweled Poké Ball pendant to house the card.
Prospective collectors can begin pre-bidding on January 12, 2026, via Goldin Auctions. Ken Goldin, the founder of the auction house, recently drew attention to the piece by wearing the diamond-encrusted necklace during the high-profile boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul. Industry experts, as reported by Fortune, estimate the final sale price could reach between $7 million and $12 million.
Reflecting on the irony of his success, Paul reminisced about his childhood hobby. “When I was younger, my dad would tell me to ‘Get off that Poké-man game,'” Paul quipped. When asked about his father’s current stance on the multimillion-dollar hobby, he laughed: “Now he says, ‘Ah, smart investment, son. Keep playing!'”
Source: Polygon
