Title: Beckett Awards Mint 9 Grade to Illustrator Pikachu, Legendary 1998 Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Beckett Grading Services Certifies Another Example of the Historic Illustrator Pikachu
Meta Description: Discover the latest grading achievement by Beckett for the Illustrator Pikachu, a pivotal 1998 Pokémon card, now rated Mint 9.
Content:
What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card of immense significance in the Pokémon card collecting world. The card, graded by Beckett Grading Services (BGS), received a Mint 9 rating, making it one of the finest examples available. This adds to Beckett’s history of authenticating important collectibles, including previous Illustrator Pikachu cards.
The Illustrator Pikachu was initially given to winners of the 1998 Pokémon (CoroCoro Comic) Illustration Contests, setting it apart from regular Pokémon TCG releases. The artwork was done by Atsuko Nishida, the original artist responsible for Pikachu.
Configuration at a Glance
- Card: Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
- Distribution: Awarded 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 provenance, original artwork by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No conventional inserts or parallels; the card is a unique promotional issue
- Its unique status comes from its contest-exclusive distribution and non-standard release
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia content linked with the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card’s significance stems from its origin, artwork, and contest background
Collector Notes
- The Illustrator Pikachu is not the rarest Pokémon card by sheer numbers, yet it holds immense cultural and historical value.
- Approximately 101 copies are believed to exist, with 41 identified through grading or public transactions.
- Its value and status are elevated by its creator, contest origin, and its position as a benchmark for elite Pokémon collecting.
- The recent BGS Mint 9 example received higher subgrades compared to a previous Beckett-graded copy, including for centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded copy aids in understanding the card’s survival and condition standards in the hobby.
- Beckett’s expertise provides reliable authentication and documentation for this iconic card.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are linked with this card.
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