Title: Beckett Evaluates Mint 9 Illustrator Pikachu, Legendary 1998 Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Discover the Significance of the 1998 Illustrator Pikachu, Recently Graded by Beckett
Meta Description: Explore the details of the Illustrator Pikachu card, graded Mint 9 by Beckett, and its importance in the Pokémon card collecting world.
Content:
What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a pivotal card in the Pokémon trading card game history. This particular card received a Mint 9 grade from Beckett Grading Services (BGS), affirming its status as one of the most well-preserved specimens. Beckett continues its tradition of certifying significant collectibles, adding this card to its list of previously graded Illustrator Pikachu cards.
The Illustrator Pikachu was initially awarded to winners of the 1998 Pokémon Illustration Contests organized by CoroCoro Comic, setting it apart from typical Pokémon TCG cards. The artwork was created by Atsuko Nishida, the original designer of 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 retail)
- Grading: Mint 9 by Beckett Grading Services (BGS)
- Population: Estimated 101 copies in existence, with 41 known through grading or public records
- Special Features: Verified origin, artwork by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No traditional inserts or parallels; this card is a unique promotional item
- Its rarity stems from its contest-only distribution and exclusive release
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia are linked with the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card’s importance is derived from its origin, artwork, and contest history
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest Pokémon card by sheer quantity, the Illustrator Pikachu is among the most culturally and historically important.
- About 101 copies are believed to exist, with 41 confirmed through grading or public transactions.
- Its value and prestige are bolstered by its artist, contest background, and status as a high-end collectible benchmark.
- The latest BGS Mint 9 card received superior subgrades compared to a previously evaluated Beckett copy, notably in centering, corners, edges, and surface quality.
- Each authenticated and graded card helps gauge the card’s survival and condition within the collecting community.
- Beckett’s certification ensures reliable authentication and record-keeping for this legendary card.
- There are no design variations, serial numbers, or parallels associated with the Illustrator Pikachu card.
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