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WWE superstar and influencer Logan Paul has agreed to auction his ultra-rare PSA 10-graded Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold in a private transaction.
Paul acquired the card in 2021 for $5.275 million in a deal that included cash and a trade of another Illustrator card, earning a Guinness World Record. The YouTuber famously wore the encased card around his neck at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, turning it into a pop-culture icon.
The decision to sell comes after Paul accepted a $2.5 million advance from Goldin Auctions founder Ken Goldin, as featured in the latest season of Netflix’s *King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch*. The auction is set to launch exclusively on Goldin Auctions’ website on January 12, 2026.
Holy Grail of Pokémon Collecting
Only 39-41 Pikachu Illustrator cards were originally produced in 1998 as prizes for CoroCoro Comic illustration contests in Japan. Paul’s copy is the sole PSA 10—the highest grade—making it uniquely pristine and highly coveted.
Paul and Goldin expressed optimism about the market, citing strong demand for top-tier collectibles amid Pokémon’s upcoming 30th anniversary in 2026. Goldin estimates the card could fetch $7-12 million, while Paul highlighted Pokémon cards outperforming traditional assets like stocks over decades.
Market Context
The collectibles space has seen volatility post-pandemic boom, but elite items with proven rarity continue to draw premium bids. Recent sales include a PSA 9 Illustrator for $4 million in 2025. This auction could set a new benchmark, attracting global collectors, investors, and nostalgia-driven buyers.
Outlook
As details emerge—including reserve price and format—the sale is poised to be a landmark event, blending celebrity hype, cultural significance, and alternative asset appeal. For now, Paul’s prized possession heads to the block, testing the ceiling for Pokémon memorabilia.
