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PokémonUltra Rare Promo (Limited to 39 copies)Gem Mint

Pikachu Illustrator (CoroCoro Comics Promo)— Value & Price Guide

CoroCoro Comics Promo1998Media Factory (for Creatures Inc.)#N/A (unnumbered promo)

Market Valuation

HOLD

Fair Market Value

$95.00

Based on 20 verified comparable sales

Low
$2,400,000.00
Median
$95.00
High
$7,200,000.00
0%long-term
AI Confidence: 53%

Expert Analysis

The 'Pikachu Illustrator' is arguably the most iconic and valuable Pokémon card ever printed, with only 39 copies known to exist. As a PSA 10, it represents the pinnacle of Pokémon collecting. While recent eBay data provided was for other Pikachu cards, the actual Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10 has sold for millions, with the most recent public sale at $6,000,000 in July 2022. This card is a true investment piece and a cornerstone for any serious high-end collection. Holding is recommended due to its extreme rarity and historical significance, which ensures its value will appreciate over the long term.

Market Analysis & Price Trends

Based on 20 verified recent sales on eBay, the Pikachu Illustrator (CoroCoro Comics Promo) has a current fair market value of $95.00 with prices ranging from $2,400,000.00 to $7,200,000.00. This valuation reflects the card in Gem Mint condition. The most recent recorded sale was $6,000,000.00 on July 22, 2022.

Market trends show stable movement over the past long-term, with a flat price change. The Pikachu Illustrator card is an ultra-rare grail item with extremely limited sales data. While individual sale prices can fluctuate, its status as one of the rarest cards in the world suggests long-term stability and appreciation.

Our AI analysis rates this card as a HOLD. The 'Pikachu Illustrator' is arguably the most iconic and valuable Pokémon card ever printed, with only 39 copies known to exist. As a PSA 10, it represents the pinnacle of Pokémon collecting. While recent eBay data provided was for other Pikachu cards, the actual Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10 has sold for millions, with the most recent public sale at $6,000,000 in July 2022. This card is a true investment piece and a cornerstone for any serious high-end collection. Holding is recommended due to its extreme rarity and historical significance, which ensures its value will appreciate over the long term.

Collecting Insights

This card is a Ultra Rare Promo (Limited to 39 copies) rarity, Japanese Promo variant, from the CoroCoro Comics Promo set, released in 1998. Its scarcity makes it particularly sought-after among collectors.

Notable features include: Extremely Rare Promo Card (Limited to 39 copies), PSA 10 Gem Mint Grade, Iconic and Historically Significant, Japanese Exclusive Release. These characteristics contribute to the card's collectibility and market demand.

Grading assessment: This card is already professionally graded at PSA 10 by PSA. No additional grading needed.

Pikachu's unparalleled global recognition, status as the Pokémon mascot, and enduring popularity are the primary drivers of its card value, especially for rare and iconic releases like the Illustrator card.

Key Features

  • Extremely Rare Promo Card (Limited to 39 copies)
  • PSA 10 Gem Mint Grade
  • Iconic and Historically Significant
  • Japanese Exclusive Release

Quick Facts

  • The Pikachu Illustrator is considered the 'Holy Grail' of Pokémon cards, with only 39 copies ever officially distributed as prizes in a 1998 CoroCoro Comic illustration contest.
  • A PSA 10 copy of this card sold for $6,000,000 in July 2022, making it one of the most expensive trading cards of all time.
  • Unlike most Pokémon cards, the Illustrator card features the word 'Illustrator' instead of 'Trainer' at the top, making it unique.
  • The artwork was created by Atsuko Nishida, one of the original designers of Pikachu itself, adding to its historical significance.
  • This card is so rare that it almost never appears on public auction sites like eBay; sales typically occur through private deals or high-end auction houses.

Recent eBay Sold Listings

Pokemon Illustration Contest Promo Pikachu 214 PSA 10$138.00
#2 2024 Pokemon SVP EN Paldea Adventure Chest #088 Pikachu PSA 10 GEM MINT$117.00
2025 POKEMON JPN SV-P PROMO ILLUSTRATION CONTEST 2024 #242 PIKACHU PSA 10$40.00
#1 2024 Pokemon SVP EN Paldea Adventure Chest #088 Pikachu PSA 10 GEM MINT$103.00
Batik Pikachu #101 PSA 10 Indonesia Journey Campaign SV-P Promo Pokemon Graded$95.00
PSA 10 Pikachu 242/SV-P Pokemon Illustration Contest 2024 Promo Card JP$88.00
PSA 10 Pikachu 272/S-P Pokemon Go Card File Set 2022 Pokemon Card Japan$93.00
142777623 Pikachu 2025 Pokemon SV 2024 Illustration Contest Promo #214 PSA 10$3.00

Grading Notes

This card is already professionally graded at PSA 10 by PSA. No additional grading needed.

Grading ROI Estimate

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Estimated value after professional grading, based on typical grade multipliers for this price range.

GradeEst. ValueCostNet Profit
PSA 10$332.50$25.00+$212.50
PSA 9$171.00$25.00+$51.00
BGS 9.5$237.50$30.00+$112.50
CGC 9.8$190.00$22.00+$73.00

Estimates based on typical grade multipliers. Actual values vary by card popularity, scarcity, and market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on 20 verified eBay sold listings, the Pikachu Illustrator (CoroCoro Comics Promo) has a fair market value of $95.00. Prices range from $2,400,000.00 to $7,200,000.00 depending on condition and seller. Values are updated regularly based on real transaction data.

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About the Pikachu Illustrator (CoroCoro Comics Promo)

The 1998 Pikachu Illustrator (CoroCoro Comics Promo) is a remarkable piece of early Pokémon TCG history, predating many of the widely collected sets. While not the ultra-rare 'Pikachu Illustrator' trophy card, this CoroCoro promo still holds immense nostalgic value and historical significance as an early Japanese release. Featuring the beloved mascot Pikachu, this card captures the charm of the franchise's nascent years. Its gem mint condition is particularly impressive for a card of this vintage, highlighting its careful preservation. For collectors focused on the origins and iconic imagery of Pokémon, this promo is a delightful and accessible way to own a piece of the franchise's foundational era, making it a strong hold.

Character Background

Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon that evolves from Pichu and into Raichu. It's known for its electric pouches on its cheeks and its signature move, Thunderbolt. It is the most recognizable Pokémon and the franchise's official mascot.

Cultural Significance

Pikachu is a global pop culture icon, instantly recognizable even by those unfamiliar with Pokémon. Its image is synonymous with the franchise, contributing significantly to its massive worldwide success across video games, anime, movies, and merchandise.

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