YouTuber Logan Paul to auction pristine $5.3M Pokémon card
Logan Paul to Auction Rare Pokemon Card Bought for $5.3 Million
Popular figure Logan Paul, known for his controversial presence on YouTube and in the WWE, has announced his intention to auction off a pristine Pokémon card that he originally purchased for $5.3 million in 2022. He emphasized the value of investing in collectibles over traditional stock market options.
During an appearance on Fox Business’ “The Big Money Show,” Paul discussed the increasing relevance of nontraditional investments, highlighting the potential in franchises like Pokémon.
In 2022, Paul acquired a PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu card, originally released as a Japanese promotion in 1997. This card is unique in its flawless grading, with even imperfect versions fetching prices upwards of $80,000, according to Price Charting.
Paul revealed his plans to sell the card to the highest bidder at an upcoming auction in February.
On the show, Paul displayed his multi-million dollar investment by wearing the card in a diamond-encrusted case around his neck, which he stated cost $75,000 on its own.
Describing the Pikachu card as the rarest and most valuable in the world, Paul emphasized the significant performance of Pokémon as an asset class, outpacing the stock market by over 3,000% in the last two decades.
Paul attributed much of his trading card investments to the wealth he accumulated through his early YouTube career, with his current net worth estimated at around $150 million.
His purchase of the Pikachu card set a new Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
Despite his immense success, Paul admitted uncertainty about the current value of the card, stating, “I don’t know. We will see.”
Investing in Pokémon cards, or any card collection, can be a volatile yet profitable endeavor, with values fluctuating based on various factors such as release, rarity, and demand.
While newer collections like Prismatic Evolutions and the 151 Expansion have some of the most valuable cards currently available, older cards from discontinued series command even higher prices.
For instance, the second most expensive Pokémon card ever sold was a 1998 Trophy Pikachu, awarded at the first international Pokémon Trading Card Game competition, fetching $444,000 for a graded 10 copy.
Paul encouraged aspiring collectors to start small, suggesting they begin by purchasing cards that resonate with them personally or simply look appealing.
Expressing his deep love for Pokémon, Paul mentioned having a Squirtle tattoo as a testament to his passion for the franchise.
Lastly, the article highlights the story of a devoted fan known as “Kabuto King,” who significantly increased the value of the Kabuto Pokémon card by hoarding over 2,000 mint-condition copies, leading to a surge in its average selling price online.
