The rarest and most valuable Pokémon card in the world was sold over the weekend for a whopping $54,970 during an auction of comics and comic art held by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, Calif.
The “Pikachu Illustrator” Trainer Promo Hologram Trading Card was originally awarded to winners of the CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest in January 1998.
“Only 20-39 copies of this card were released, 10 of which are graded in top condition and it is unknown how many still remain with the public,” said Barry Sandoval, director of operations for Comics at Heritage Auctions, in a news release.
Featuring an illustration by Atsuko Nishida, one of the chief Pokémon graphic illustrators, the card depicts Pikachu holding what appear to be drawing tools. It is considered the most iconic and valuable card to Pokémon collectors.
In the wake of the popularity of the Pokémon Go app, Heritage said earlier this year that new interest has arisen around the trading cards.
