Title: Beckett Awards Mint 9 Grade to Illustrator Pikachu, Legendary 1998 Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Beckett Grading Services has certified another Illustrator Pikachu card, achieving a Mint 9 grade, underscoring its significance in the Pokémon card world.
Meta Description: Discover the significance of the Illustrator Pikachu, graded Mint 9 by Beckett, a key piece of Pokémon card history from 1998.
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 universe. This particular card was evaluated by Beckett Grading Services (BGS) and received a Mint 9 grade, highlighting it as one of the best-preserved examples in existence. This achievement continues Beckett's history of certifying significant collectibles, including past Illustrator Pikachu cards.
The Illustrator Pikachu was initially given to victors of the 1998 Pokémon (CoroCoro Comic) Illustration Contests, setting it apart from regular Pokémon TCG offerings. The card was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, the original artist responsible for Pikachu.
Configuration at a Glance
- Card: Pokémon Illustrator Pikachu
- Distribution: Presented 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 verified or graded
- Special Features: Verified provenance, original illustration by Atsuko Nishida
Key Inserts & Parallels
- No conventional inserts or parallels; the card is a unique promotional release
- Distinctive due to its exclusive contest-based distribution and non-standard issuance
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia content linked to the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card’s importance is rooted in its origins, artwork, and contest background
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest Pokémon card by sheer numbers, the Illustrator Pikachu is regarded as one of the most culturally and historically important.
- Roughly 101 copies are believed to exist, with 41 confirmed through grading or public transactions.
- The card's prestige and value are bolstered by its creator, contest roots, and status as a benchmark in elite Pokémon collecting.
- The recent BGS Mint 9 instance achieved superior subgrades compared to a previously graded Beckett version, including centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Every authenticated and graded example aids in assessing the card’s survival and condition standards within the hobby.
- Beckett’s involvement ensures reliable authentication and documentation for this legendary card.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are linked to this card.
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