A Pokémon Card Just Sold for $16.5 Million

Social media personality and professional wrestler Logan Paul has set a new world record after his rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sold for $16.5 million at auction on Monday.

The card, widely regarded as the “holy grail” of Pokémon collectibles, was sold by Goldin Auctions following 41 days of bidding. The final price was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the highest ever paid for any trading card at auction.

Paul originally purchased the card in 2021 for $5.275 million, which was then a Guinness World Record for a Pokémon card. Since acquiring it, he added a custom display case and diamond necklace and famously wore the card during WrestleMania 38.

The winning bidder was venture capitalist A.J. Scaramucci, the son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.

Designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 illustration contest, the Pikachu Illustrator card is among the rarest Pokémon cards in existence. Only 39 are believed to have been produced, and Paul’s card is thought to be the only one graded in pristine Gem Mint 10 condition.