Title: Beckett Rates Illustrator Pikachu Mint 9, Legendary 1998 Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Discover the latest grading achievement for a key piece in Pokémon card history.
Meta Description: Beckett Grading Services has awarded a Mint 9 rating to another Illustrator Pikachu card, a significant 1998 Pokémon collectible. Learn more about this iconic card's history and grading details.
Content:
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 particular card, graded by Beckett Grading Services (BGS), received a Mint 9 grade, placing it among the best-preserved examples. Beckett continues its tradition of certifying major collectibles, adding this to its list of previously graded Illustrator Pikachu cards.
Originally, the Illustrator Pikachu was awarded to winners of the 1998 Pokémon (CoroCoro Comic) Illustration Contests, setting it apart from typical Pokémon TCG releases. The card features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, who originally designed Pikachu.
Configuration at a Glance
- Card: Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
- Distribution: Given in 1998 to winners of the Pokémon Illustration Contest (not available in packs or retail)
- Grading: Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Mint 9
- Population: Around 101 copies are thought to exist, with 41 known or graded publicly
- Special Features: Verified provenance, original artwork by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No typical inserts or parallels; the card stands alone as a promotional issue
- Its unique status is due to contest-only distribution and its non-standard release
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia content linked to the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card’s importance is rooted in its origin, artwork, and contest background
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest in terms of sheer numbers, the Illustrator Pikachu is one of the most culturally and historically important Pokémon cards.
- An estimated 101 copies exist, with 41 confirmed through grading or public sale.
- Its value and prestige are bolstered by its creator, contest roots, and status as a high-end Pokémon collecting benchmark.
- The latest BGS Mint 9 example has higher subgrades compared to a previously graded Beckett copy, including aspects like centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded example aids in understanding the card’s survival rate and condition expectations in the hobby.
- Beckett’s involvement ensures trusted authentication and documentation for this iconic release.
- There are no design variations, serial numbers, or parallels associated with this card.
Comments