Rarest Pokémon Card Ever The Pikachu Illustrator card is widely considered the rarest and most valuable Pokémon card in existence.
Award for a Drawing Contest It was awarded to winners of the 1997-1998 CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest in Japan, created by illustrator Atsuko Nishida, Pikachu’s original artist.
Only Around 39 Copies Known It's estimated that only about 39 copies were ever distributed, making it ultra-limited.
Unique Card Artwork and Design The card features Pikachu holding a paintbrush with a colorful background and “Illustrator” written in Japanese at the top, different from typical Pokémon cards.
Officially Recognized by Pokémon Company Unlike other promotional cards, the Pikachu Illustrator card is officially recognized as a prize by the Pokémon Company.
Extremely High Auction Prices Some copies have sold for over $900,000 in auctions, with the highest reported sale near $1 million.
Not Legal for Tournament Play It’s a collector’s item only — the card is not legal for competitive Pokémon Trading Card Game play.
Features the “Pen” Symbol Instead of a “Pokémon Card Game” logo, it features a pen icon indicating its association with the art contest.