Title: Beckett Assigns Mint 9 Grade to Illustrator Pikachu, Legendary 1998 Pokémon Card
Subtitle: Beckett Grading Services Recognizes the Historical Importance of the Illustrator Pikachu with a Mint 9 Grade
Meta Description: Discover the significance of the Illustrator Pikachu, graded Mint 9 by Beckett, a pivotal card in Pokémon history from the 1998 Illustration Contest.
Content:
What’s New
Beckett Collectibles has once again authenticated and graded a copy of the Illustrator Pikachu, a card of immense historical value in the Pokémon trading card community. The card, reviewed by Beckett Grading Services (BGS), received a Mint 9 grade, placing it among the best-preserved known examples. This achievement continues Beckett’s legacy of certifying pivotal collectibles, including previous instances of the Illustrator Pikachu.
The Illustrator Pikachu was originally given to victors 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: Awarded in 1998 to winners of the Pokémon Illustration Contest (not available in packs or retail)
- Grading: Beckett Grading Services (BGS) Mint 9
- Population: Believed to be around 101 copies, 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
- Distinct status due to its exclusive contest distribution and non-standard release
Autographs & Relics
- No autographs or memorabilia are linked with the Illustrator Pikachu
- The card's importance is connected to its origin, artwork, and contest background
Collector Notes
- While not the rarest in terms of numbers, the Illustrator Pikachu is seen as one of the most culturally and historically vital Pokémon cards.
- An estimated 101 copies are thought to exist, with 41 identified through grading or public sale.
- The card's value and prestige are heightened by its creator, contest origin, and status as a high-end Pokémon collecting benchmark.
- The recent BGS Mint 9 example attained higher subgrades than a previously graded Beckett copy, including aspects like centering, corners, edges, and surface.
- Each authenticated and graded card aids in understanding the card's survival rate and condition standards within the hobby.
- Beckett's role ensures trusted authentication and documentation for this iconic card.
- No design variations, serial numbers, or parallels are linked with this card.
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