Key Takeaway:
- Record $16.5M sale highlights unprecedented value for graded Pokémon collectibles.
- Singular PSA-10 rarity and four-year hold fueled intense market scrutiny.
- Controversy ties include grading disputes and Liquid Marketplace tokenization investigations.
According to Man of Many, Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator graded Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) 10 sold for a record $16.5 million. The auction also included a custom $75,000 diamond necklace.
People reported Paul bought the card four years earlier for $5.3 million. That holding period and perfect grade help explain why the sale drew significant scrutiny.
KeyT described the card’s scarcity, noting roughly 41 known copies and only one graded PSA‑10. That rarity underpins the outlier price and limited comparables.
As reported by Polygon, the sale sparked allegations about the PSA 10 grade and the card’s prior ties to Liquid Marketplace fractional ownership. The debate spans grading standards and investor expectations.
BetaKit detailed a June 2024 Ontario Securities Commission investigation into Liquid Marketplace’s founders and executives. The case alleges misleading claims about tokenized “ownership” and potential unregistered securities.
USA Today identified the buyer as Solari Capital founder AJ Scaramucci, who purchased the card for $16,492,000 on Feb. 16. The figure reflects the event’s final recorded price.
Legal analysis has flagged consumer‑protection risks around tokenized collectibles. “A classic case of slop tokenization,” said Gabriel Shapiro, general counsel at Delphi Labs, in comments reported by Cointelegraph.
Auctioneers have long framed the Pikachu Illustrator’s status within the hobby. “the holy grail of all Pokémon cards,” said Goldin Auctions.
At the time of this writing, Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NTDOY) closed at $14.18, up 2.53% on Feb. 9, based on OTC Markets data. This market snapshot is contextual and not a valuation signal.
Disclaimer:
Coinwy provides news and informational content related to cryptocurrency and digital assets. The information published on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.
