Logan Paul has set a new world record by selling his one-of-a-kind Pikachu Illustrator card for an astonishing $16.492 million at auction. The sale took place on March 4, 2024, through Goldin Auctions, marking a significant milestone in the world of collectible trading cards. This particular card, one of only 41 ever distributed, is the only one graded the highest quality by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
The winning bidder, AJ Scaramucci, founder of Solari Capital and son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, appeared on Logan Paul’s livestream shortly after the auction concluded at 1:14 AM ET. During the livestream, Scaramucci shared his ambitious plans for the card, saying, “The real story is that I’m on a planetary treasure hunt. I’m planning to buy a T. rex dinosaur fossil, the Declaration of Independence, and I’m not stopping there. This is only the beginning.”
Paul responded with enthusiasm, remarking, “Bro. Bro, that is so epic.” This sale not only reflects the escalating value of collectible cards but also highlights the growing interest in rare items among investors and collectors.
The Pikachu Illustrator card was originally awarded to winners of an illustration contest in Japan, and Goldin Auctions referred to it as “one of the Holy Grails of the collectibles industry.” Paul’s previous investment in the same card in July 2021, when he purchased it for $5.275 million, has proven to be exceptionally lucrative, resulting in a profit of over $11 million from its recent sale.
In addition to the card itself, the auction included a diamond-encrusted chain valued at $75,000. Paul famously wore the card during his WWE debut at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, further solidifying its iconic status.
On his Instagram, Paul expressed nostalgia for the card, saying, “Goodbye my friend 😢 What a privilege it’s been to be the owner of the greatest collectible in the world.” This sale underscores a larger trend in the collectibles market, where rare Pokémon cards, along with other trading card games like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!, have seen skyrocketing values, particularly among younger collectors, including those from Generation Z.
The current interest in collectible cards has led some investors to prioritize them over traditional stocks, as the potential returns can be substantial. With the auction of the Pikachu Illustrator card, Logan Paul has not only made headlines but has also spotlighted a thriving market that continues to captivate enthusiasts and investors alike.