Title: Beckett Evaluates Mint 9 Illustrator Pikachu, Legendary 1998 Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Beckett Grading Services assesses another Illustrator Pikachu, granting it a Mint 9 status, underscoring its significance in Pokémon card history.
Meta Description: Discover how Beckett Grading Services has graded a Mint 9 Illustrator Pikachu, a key piece of Pokémon trading card history, and its impact on collectors.
Content:
What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card with profound historical importance in the Pokémon community. This card received a Mint 9 grade from Beckett Grading Services (BGS), highlighting its exceptional preservation. This achievement reinforces Beckett's reputation for certifying significant collectibles, including previous instances of the Illustrator Pikachu.
Originally, the Illustrator Pikachu was awarded to the champions of the 1998 Pokémon (CoroCoro Comic) Illustration Contests, setting it apart from typical Pokémon TCG releases. The card features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, the original illustrator 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: Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Mint 9
- Population: Estimated 101 copies in existence, with 41 publicly documented or graded
- Special Features: Verified provenance, original artwork by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No traditional inserts or parallels; the card is a unique promotional item
- Maintains a unique status due to its exclusive contest distribution and non-standard release
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia content linked with the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card's value is rooted in its origin, artwork, and contest background
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest Pokémon card in terms of numbers, the Illustrator Pikachu is considered one of the most culturally and historically important.
- Around 101 copies are thought to exist, with 41 verified through grading or public transactions.
- The card's prestige is bolstered by its creator, contest background, and status as a benchmark for high-end Pokémon collecting.
- The recent BGS Mint 9 example boasts higher subgrades compared to a previous Beckett-graded version, including aspects like centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded card aids in understanding the card’s survival rate and condition within the hobby.
- Beckett's role ensures trusted authentication and documentation for this notable release.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are linked with this card.
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