Detailed comparison coming soon.
Pikachu Illustrator vs Trophy Pikachu No. 1 Trainer: which is the better Pokémon TCG investment?
Comparing Pikachu Illustrator (Vintage Promos & Trophies, 1998) and Trophy Pikachu No. 1 Trainer (Vintage Promos & Trophies, 1997) as Pokémon TCG investments. PSA 10 bands, risk, and upside compared.
| Pikachu Illustrator | Trophy Pikachu No. 1 Trainer | |
|---|---|---|
| Set | Vintage Promos & Trophies (1998) | Vintage Promos & Trophies (1997) |
| Rarity | Trophy Promo | Trophy Promo |
| PSA 10 band | $1,000,000-$6,000,000 | $200,000-$500,000 |
| Raw band | $300,000-$1,000,000 | $50,000-$150,000 |
| Risk level | Low | Low |
| Investment score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Pikachu Illustrator
The single most valuable Pokémon card ever made. Awarded to winners of a 1998 CoroCoro Comic illustration contest in Japan. Estimated 39 copies known to exist; ~7 confirmed PSA 10. Logan Paul famously paid $5.275M for a PSA 10 in 2022.
Check Pikachu Illustrator prices →Trophy Pikachu No. 1 Trainer
Awarded to the champion of the 1997 Japanese Pokémon Card Tournament. Only 1 known to exist. The other Trophy Pikachus (No. 2 silver, No. 3 bronze) are less rare but still six-figure cards.
Check Trophy Pikachu No. 1 Trainer prices →