Title: Beckett Awards Mint 9 to Iconic 1998 Illustrator Pikachu Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Beckett Collectibles continues its legacy with a Mint 9 grading for the historic Illustrator Pikachu card.
Meta Description: Discover the latest Mint 9 grading by Beckett for the 1998 Illustrator Pikachu card, a key piece in Pokémon history. Learn about its unique distribution and significance.
Content:
What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card of immense historical importance in the Pokémon collecting world. This particular card received a Mint 9 grade from Beckett Grading Services (BGS), placing it among the top-preserved specimens known. Beckett continues its tradition of certifying key collectibles, including other Illustrator Pikachu cards in the past.
The Illustrator Pikachu was awarded to the winners of the 1998 Pokémon Illustration Contests sponsored by CoroCoro Comic, setting it apart from regular Pokémon TCG releases. The artwork was done by Atsuko Nishida, the original artist for Pikachu.
Configuration at a Glance
- Card: Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
- Distribution: Granted in 1998 to winners of the Pokémon Illustration Contest (not available in packs or stores)
- Grading: Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Mint 9
- Population: Estimated 101 copies exist, with 41 known through grading or public records
- Special Features: Verified provenance, original art by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No standard inserts or parallels; the card remains a unique promotional item
- Unique due to its contest-exclusive distribution and non-standard issue
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia associated with the Illustrator Pikachu
- Its importance is linked to its origins, artistry, and contest background
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest in terms of sheer numbers, the Illustrator Pikachu is considered one of the most culturally and historically valuable Pokémon cards.
- Roughly 101 copies are estimated to exist, with 41 confirmed through grading or public sales.
- The card’s prestige is heightened by its artist, contest origins, and status as a key piece in high-end Pokémon collecting.
- The recent BGS Mint 9 copy achieved higher subgrades than a previously graded Beckett version, in aspects like centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each graded and authenticated card helps in understanding the card’s preservation rate and condition standards within the hobby.
- Beckett’s role offers reliable authentication and documentation for this legendary issue.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels exist for this card.
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