Pokémon Illustrator Card Sets eBay Record With $4 Million Sale, Marking New Milestone for Pokémon TCG Collectors

Pokémon Illustrator Card Sells for $4 Million on eBay: A New Landmark for Pokémon Trading Card Game Collectors The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to astound industry observers and collectors alike, with one of its rarest cards—the Pokémon Illustrator card—recently changing hands for an extraordinary $4 million on eBay.

This historic sale reaffirms both the enduring appeal of the Pokémon franchise and the lucrative market for high-grade trading cards, maintaining the Pokémon TCG’s status as a record-setting collectible and a cultural icon within gaming. The card in question, known officially as the 'Pokémon Illustrator,' was held by renowned collector Scott "smpratte" Pratte of Edwardsville, Illinois.

Graded a near-perfect "PSA 9," the card stands among the highest-quality examples known in collector circles.

Only 41 of these unique cards are believed to have been printed, making it one of the rarest official Pokémon cards ever distributed.

Originally, the Pokémon Illustrator card was awarded as a prize in the CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest in Japan in 1998—never intended for public sale, which only adds to its mystique and desirability among fans and collectors. The notoriety of the Pokémon Illustrator card was further fueled in recent years when content creator Logan Paul made headlines purchasing a 'PSA 10' (pristine condition) copy for a staggering $5.3 million.

Meanwhile, other copies with lower grades have fetched substantial sums; for example, a 'PSA 7' card was listed at $480,000, illustrating the immense impact that condition and grading can have on collectible card values. According to reputable industry sources, such as Kotaku, the Pokémon Illustrator card was never designed to be the crown jewel of the Pokémon TCG.

Yet, its limited production and unique origin have catapulted it to legendary status among enthusiasts.

"For years, the Illustrator card has captured the imagination of TCG collectors, becoming a symbol of scarcity and prestige within the broader Pokémon community," industry analysts have noted. The Pokémon Trading Card Game has seen continued growth since its initial release by Nintendo and Creatures Inc.

in 1996, developing a devoted fan base, robust organized play, and a thriving resale market supported by platforms like eBay and the digital Pokémon Center eShop.

The card’s record-setting sale underlines not only the fervor surrounding high-profile collectibles but also the increasing seriousness with which the community approaches grading, authentication, and long-term preservation. As the Pokémon brand continues to release new titles—such as the anticipated 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' for Nintendo Switch, and recent expansions adding new mechanics and characters—the legacy of the Pokémon Trading Card Game remains intimately intertwined with the franchise’s popularity.

With every headline-grabbing sale, Pokémon TCG cements its place as a cornerstone of modern collecting culture.

Pokémon Milestone Pokémon Trading Card Game eBay Pokémon TCG Nintendo Scott Pratte Logan Paul PSA Kotaku CoroCoro Comic