In a landmark moment for the collectibles market, internet personality Logan Paul has shattered records by selling the world's rarest Pokémon card for an astonishing £12,100,000. The historic transaction took place during a highly publicized livestream event, capturing global attention and underscoring the immense value of vintage gaming memorabilia.
A New Benchmark in Collectible Trading
Pokémon cards have been coveted items since their debut in 1996, with their worth escalating dramatically over recent decades. While original cards can command hundreds of pounds, the pinnacle of rarity is the Pikachu Illustrator card, particularly one graded PSA 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator. Logan Paul initially acquired this exceptional card in 2021 for £3.8 million, setting a then-record for the most expensive Pokémon card sold at a private auction.
Now, five years later, that benchmark has been decisively surpassed. Paul's livestream auction culminated in a final bid of $16,492,000, equivalent to approximately £12.1 million, establishing a new global high for Pokémon card sales.
The Buyer and His Ambitious Quest
The winning bidder was venture capitalist AJ Scaramucci, son of financier and former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. During the livestream, Scaramucci revealed his motivations, describing himself as on a "planetary treasure hunt" to acquire a collection of extraordinarily rare artifacts.
"I'm on a quest to buy a T-Rex dinosaur fossil, that's on my list," he declared. "I'm going to buy the Declaration Of Independence, and I'm not stopping there. This is only the beginning."
Following the auction, Logan Paul expressed mixed emotions in a post on social media platform X. "Congrats to the buyer for an iconic purchase the entire world will remember," he wrote. "Although bittersweet, I was proud to be a steward of the greatest collectible in the world for the last five years. May the next Pokémon journey be as delightful as the last..."
The Extraordinary Rarity of the Pikachu Illustrator Card
The Pikachu Illustrator card holds a unique place in Pokémon history. It was awarded exclusively in 1998 to winners of the CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest in Japan, meaning it was never available in standard card packs. This limited distribution contributes to its extreme scarcity.
Experts estimate that only 39 copies of this card exist worldwide, with just a single specimen achieving the coveted PSA 10 grade. Even lower-graded versions have fetched substantial sums. A grade 9 version sold for £2.9 million last year, while other copies were auctioned for £44,000 in 2016 and £400,000 in 2023, demonstrating consistent high demand among collectors.
Implications for the Collectibles Market
This record-breaking sale highlights the growing intersection of digital culture, celebrity influence, and high-stakes collecting. Livestream auctions have become a powerful platform for selling premium items, engaging global audiences in real-time. The transaction also reflects broader trends in alternative investments, where rare collectibles are increasingly viewed as valuable assets.
As the market for vintage gaming items continues to expand, sales like this set new precedents for valuation and desirability. Collectors and investors alike will be watching closely to see if this record stands or if another ultra-rare item will soon command an even higher price.
