The highly anticipated international auction will open a week early, spotlighting the artistry and influence of trading card games in popular culture and featuring some of the rarest Pokémon cards and collectibles ever brought to market.
Why Goldin Expedited the 2026 Pokémon & TCG Auction
Originally scheduled for January 12th, 2026, Goldin’s landmark auction will now open on January 5th, 2026 at 8 pm ET and will be headlined by Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10 – the world’s only example of a graded PSA 10.
“This is the biggest Pokémon and trading card game auction ever held, and the unbelievable amount of interest we’ve already received led us to open early,” said Ken Goldin, Founder and CEO of Goldin. “Featuring Logan’s Pikachu Illustrator as the centerpiece draws major international interest and makes it a true landmark for the hobby. The entire lineup in this sale is incredible–from cards to artwork to video games–with some of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the world.”
Capitalizing on Global Demand for Rare Collectibles
Paul’s illustrator card is featured in the third season of Netflix’s King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch and is and widely regarded as the pinnacle of Pokémon and trading card game (TCG) collecting.
“This is the most coveted card in the world,” said Logan Paul, entertainer, entrepreneur, and professional athlete. “It was absolutely unforgettable when I received the card, and I’m going to create that same kind of memorable experience for the next owner: I will personally hand deliver the Pikachu Illustrator to the winner, share the whole backstory, and create a moment that will live with them forever.”
The Crown Jewel: Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10
The Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10 solidifies the card as a landmark artifact, and its cultural significance, scarcity, and high-profile visibility have set an outstanding worldwide benchmark for artistry and rarity within trading card history.
Designed by the original illustrator of Pikachu, Atsuko Nishida, the card uses distinct artwork including the iconic pen symbol denoting artistic contribution, which sets it apart from standard releases and garnered it a win in the 1998 illustration contest in Japan. Paul’s acquisition of the extremely rare, lone PSA 10 example and his decision to showcase it on major international stages, including WrestleMania, propelled the card into mainstream awareness.
Rare Charizard and Factory-Sealed Vintage Booster Boxes
In addition to the Pikachu Illustrator, the auction includes more than 300 lots, including graded Pokémon cards and a wide range of rare items from across TCGs. Featured pieces include a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Holo Charizard from Paul’s original break, a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Factory-Sealed Booster Box with potential for rare Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur cards.
Ken Sugimori’s Original Art and Trophy Pikachu Highlights
Ken Sugimori’s signed and framed “Dawn” original artwork, accompanied by materials from Pokémon’s 10th Anniversary event in New York. Additional highlights include the 1997-98 Japanese 2nd Tournament Trophy Pikachu, signed and sketched by Mitsuhiro Arita and featured in King of Collectibles, as well as the 2014 Pokémon World Championships Pikachu Trophy Collection, a complete set of four cards including a Pop 1 pristine example.
Beyond Pokémon: MTG Black Lotus and Retro Video Games
Other top lots include the 1993 Magic: The Gathering Beta Black Lotus, the 2025 Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy “Traveling Chocobo” Gold Serialized Card, and multiple factory-sealed booster boxes and cases from Pokémon’s early releases.
Rounding out the auction are sealed Pokémon video games, such as Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Silver Version, along with the November 1999 TIME Magazine Pokémon Charizard/Pikachu cover, recognized as a top population example.
The highly anticipated Pokémon & TCG Auction will open on Monday, January 5th, at 8:00 p.m. ET, and will close on February 15th, 2026, with extended bidding beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET that evening.
Further in Goldin’s auction slate, several major auctions are now live. The 2025 Shohei Ohtani Historic 3rd Home Run Baseball Auction closes January 14, followed by the 2026 Winter Hollywood Memorabilia Auction closing January 21. Additionally, the 2026 Winter John Terry Auction is open through January 28, featuring a collection of memorabilia connected to the influential footballer, with proceeds greatly benefiting the John Terry Foundation.
Looking ahead, Goldin’s January Elite Auction will open January 9, the Winter Pop Culture Auction opens January 16, and the Winter Vintage Elite Auction opens January 21, featuring the newly discovered 1909 T206 Honus Wagner “Shields Wagner” card, which remained privately held within the same family for over 100 years, and is highlighted in Season 3 of Netflix’s King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch.
You can learn more about Goldin’s upcoming auctions by visiting their official website.
Note: The information above was sourced from a press release.
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