Title: Beckett Awards Mint 9 Grade to 1998 Illustrator Pikachu Pokémon Card
Subtitle: A Look at One of the Most Iconic Cards in Pokémon History
Meta Description: Discover the significance of Beckett grading a Mint 9 Illustrator Pikachu, a landmark card from the 1998 Pokémon Illustration Contest, highlighting its unique features and historical importance.
Content:
What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card with immense historical value in the Pokémon trading card world. This particular card was graded by Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and achieved a Mint 9 status, placing it among the top-preserved examples known. This achievement adds to Beckett’s history of certifying significant collectibles, including prior Illustrator Pikachu cards.
The Illustrator Pikachu was originally given to winners 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 of Pikachu.
Configuration at a Glance
- Card: Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
- Distribution: Presented 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 or graded publicly
- Special Features: Verified provenance, original art by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No traditional inserts or parallels; issued as a standalone promotional card
- Unique due to its exclusive contest distribution and 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 Pokémon card by sheer numbers, the Illustrator Pikachu is viewed as one of the most culturally and historically important.
- An estimated 101 copies are believed to exist, with 41 known through grading or public sales.
- The card’s prestige is enhanced by its creator, contest origin, and status as a high-end collectible benchmark.
- The latest BGS Mint 9 example received superior subgrades compared to a previously graded Beckett version, including centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded copy helps in understanding the card’s survival rate and condition standards within the collecting community.
- Beckett’s role provides reliable authentication and documentation for this iconic card.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are associated with this card.
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