Title: Beckett Awards Mint 9 Grade to 1998 Illustrator Pikachu, a Legendary Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Beckett Grading Services has authenticated another copy of the historic Illustrator Pikachu card, achieving a Mint 9 grade.
Meta Description: Discover the latest grading achievement by Beckett Collectibles as they authenticate a Mint 9 Illustrator Pikachu card, a key piece of Pokémon history.
Content:
What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has authenticated and graded another version of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card with immense historical significance in the Pokémon trading card community. This card, graded by Beckett Grading Services (BGS), received a Mint 9 grade, signifying it as one of the top-preserved examples available. Beckett continues its legacy of certifying important collectibles, including previous editions of the Illustrator Pikachu.
The Illustrator Pikachu was initially awarded to victors of the 1998 Pokémon (CoroCoro Comic) Illustration Contests, setting it apart from regular Pokémon TCG releases. The card features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, the original artist credited with creating 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: Estimated 101 copies exist, with 41 publicly known or graded
- Special Features: Verified origin, original artwork by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No standard inserts or parallels; this card is a unique promotional issue
- Its distinct status comes from being distributed solely through contests 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 history
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest Pokémon card by numbers, the Illustrator Pikachu is deemed one of the most culturally and historically important.
- About 101 copies are thought to exist, with 41 confirmed through grading or public sale.
- The card's value and prestige are heightened by its creator, contest background, and role as a high-end Pokémon collecting benchmark.
- The latest BGS Mint 9 copy received superior subgrades compared to a previously graded Beckett version, including centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded version aids in understanding the card's survival rate and condition benchmarks within the hobby.
- Beckett's role ensures trusted authentication and documentation for this legendary release.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are linked to this card.
Comments