What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card of immense historical importance within the Pokémon trading card realm. This card received a Mint 9 grade from Beckett Grading Services (BGS), positioning it among the top-tier preserved examples. This grading continues Beckett's legacy of certifying landmark cards, following their previous work with other Illustrator Pikachu editions.
Originally, the Illustrator Pikachu was awarded to victors of the 1998 Pokémon (CoroCoro Comic) Illustration Contests, setting it apart from the typical Pokémon TCG releases. The card features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, the original artist responsible for Pikachu's design.
Configuration at a Glance
- Card: Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
- Distribution: Granted in 1998 to winners of the Pokémon Illustration Contest (not available in packs or stores)
- Grading: Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Mint 9
- Population: Estimated 101 copies exist, with 41 either publicly known or graded
- Special Features: Verified provenance, original Atsuko Nishida artwork
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No conventional inserts or parallels; this card is a unique promotional piece
- Its exclusive distribution through contests and unique release status elevate its uniqueness
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia elements linked to the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card's significance is rooted in its origin, artwork, and contest history
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest Pokémon card by sheer quantity, the Illustrator Pikachu is one of the most culturally and historically significant.
- Roughly 101 copies are believed to exist, with 41 known through grading or public transactions.
- The card's prestige and value are bolstered by its creator, contest origin, and status as a premium Pokémon collectible benchmark.
- The latest BGS Mint 9 card achieved higher subgrades than a previously graded Beckett example, including assessments of centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded card contributes to understanding the card's survival rate and condition criteria within the hobby.
- Beckett's role ensures reliable authentication and documentation for this iconic card.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are linked to this card.
Source: https://www.sportscardportal.com
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