Famous Pikachu Illustrator and Pikachu Trophy Cards that Recently Sold for Millions Likely Forged in 2024
The prototype card scandal continues.
In December, uncut sheets of the famous Pikachu trophy cards and a Pikachu Illustrator card were offered for sale by reputable Pokemon sellers. At least one set was purchased by a known Chinese collector, Xiao, for an undisclosed amount that likely exceeded several million dollars. He posted his sheets recently.
Another set of the uncut sheets appears to sport Takumi Akabane’s signature next to each card.
These uncut sheets were believed to have originated from Takumi Akabane’s collection, the retired Creatures employee who sold off his prototype Pokemon cards last year. He attended multiple events to sign cards.
However, it’s now been discovered that at least one of the Pikachu sheets has 2024 watermarks. The serial number of the printer is also the same as the printer used for the embroiled prototype cards.
Since all of the Pikachu cards originally released in the ’90s, it means at least one of these sets was likely forged. It also calls into question all other uncut sheets from the same origin.
Again, it’s unclear if Takumi Akabane was knowingly involved in what may be an ongoing scam. More information should emerge over the coming weeks, especially since authentication company CGC is conducting an investigation.
The “Pikachu Trophy” cards were originally awarded between 1997 and 1998 to the top three finishers at Japan’s national tournaments. A set of all three cards sold last year for nearly $800,000.
The “Pikachu Illustrator” card is considered the holy grail of Pokemon cards and has sold for up to $5 million. In 1998 it was awarded through three illustrator contests in CoroCoro magazine. It’s estimated around 39 copies were awarded.
