A Powerful Duo! Two CGC-certified Pokémon Illustrators Each Realize Six Figures in March Auctions

One Illustrator was sold in Goldin's February Elite Pop Culture Auction, while the other was sold on Alt's auction platform.

Posted on: 4/2/2025

Two CGC-certified Pokémon Illustrator promos surged to six-figure results in recent auctions held by Goldin and Alt, respectively. These amazing Pokémon cards were just a few of the many CGC-certified cards available on Alt’s auction platform, and in Goldin’s February Pop Culture Elite Auction, which ended on March 1, 2025.

The Pokémon Illustrator, Pokémon (1998) Japanese CoroCoro Comics Illustration Contest Promo graded CGC Gem Mint 10 sold on Alt’s auction platform realized $390,001. It is now the third highest-selling CGC-certified example of Pokémon Illustrator to sell at auction.

Thirty-nine examples of Pokémon Illustrator were given out to winners of a series of Japanese-only art contests held in 1997 and 1998. Later, two more were released into circulation, bringing the total number of known copies to 41. It cannot be understated how rare and precious a Gem Mint 10 example of Pokémon Illustrator is to collectors — these cards are 27 years old (as of 2025), and for one to be found in such incredible condition is extremely unlikely. Of the 18 total Pokémon Illustrator cards certified by CGC Cards in the CGC Cards Population Report, six of them are graded CGC Gem Mint 10, with none graded higher.

Meanwhile, another Pokémon Illustrator, this one graded CGC 9, realized $195,200 in Goldin’s February auction (lot 2). The results show that CGC-certified Pokémon Illustrators rare commanding six figures regardless of grade. According to the CGC Cards Population Report, CGC has certified four examples of Pokémon Illustrator graded CGC 9, the median grade.

Other CGC-certified cards offered in the Goldin sale included:

  • a Mickey Mouse – Brave Little Tailor, Disney Lorcana (2024) Tournament Promos – 5/C1 Lorcana Challenge – Top Placement graded CGC Pristine 10 (lot 6) that realized $13,420
  • a Charizard, Pokémon (1999) Base Set Shadowless Holo graded CGC Gem Mint 10 (lot 34) that realized $9,157
  • a Shanks, One Piece (2024) Tournament Promos – OP01-120 Secret Rare – Online Regionals – Top 8 graded CGC Pristine 10 (lot 793) that realized $2,602
  • a Venusaur, Pokémon (1999) Base Set 1st Edition Holo graded CGC 7 (lot 659) that realized $1,080

Prices realized include a buyer's premium.