What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card of great historical importance in the Pokémon trading card community. This card received a Mint 9 grade from Beckett Grading Services (BGS), highlighting it as one of the finest examples available. This grading continues Beckett’s history of certifying significant collectibles, including previous instances of the Illustrator Pikachu.
The Illustrator Pikachu was originally given to winners of the 1998 Pokémon (CoroCoro Comic) Illustration Contests, distinguishing it from regular Pokémon TCG releases. The card was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, the original artist who created Pikachu.
Configuration at a Glance
- Card: Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
- Distribution: Awarded in 1998 to winners of the Pokémon Illustration Contest (not available in packs or retail)
- Grading: Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Mint 9
- Population: Estimated 101 copies exist, with 41 known through public sales or grading
- Special Features: Verified provenance, original artwork by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No conventional inserts or parallels; the card is a standalone promotional item
- Unique status due to contest-specific distribution and non-standard issue
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia elements related to the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card’s importance is linked to its origin, artwork, and contest background
Collector Notes
- The Illustrator Pikachu is not the rarest Pokémon card in sheer numbers, but it is considered one of the most culturally and historically important.
- Approximately 101 copies are thought to exist, with 41 verified through grading or public transaction.
- Its value and prestige are bolstered by its creator, contest beginnings, and status as a high-end Pokémon collecting benchmark.
- The latest BGS Mint 9 example boasts higher subgrades than a previously graded Beckett version, including centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded version adds to the understanding of the card’s preservation rate and condition standards in the collecting world.
- Beckett’s role provides reliable authentication and documentation for this iconic collectible.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are linked to this card.
Source: https://www.sportscardportal.com
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