Was the Illustrator Card Fake?

The Pikachu Illustrator card in question was indeed detected as a fake during the CGC Cards’ certification process, highlighting the importance of authentication and verification in the Pokémon trading card community. The rarity and value of the Pikachu Illustrator card, with only 41 copies ever issued, make it a prime target for counterfeiters and scammers.

Introduction to the Pikachu Illustrator Card

The Pikachu Illustrator card is one of the rarest and most expensive Pokémon cards in existence, making it a highly sought-after item among collectors. To understand the significance of this card and the reasons behind its high value, it is essential to delve into its history and production.

History of the Pikachu Illustrator Card

The Pikachu Illustrator card was originally awarded to winners of a drawing contest hosted in the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic during 1997 and 1998. This exclusive distribution method has contributed to the card’s extreme rarity, with only 39 copies produced, featuring an illustration by artist and Pikachu’s original designer Atsuko Nishida.

FAQs about the Pikachu Illustrator Card and Pokémon Cards

General Questions

1. What makes the Pikachu Illustrator card so rare? The Pikachu Illustrator card is rare due to only 41 copies ever being issued, and these were distributed to the winners of the 1997 and 1998 Pokémon Illustrator contests.
2. Who illustrated the Pikachu Illustrator card? The Pikachu Illustrator card was illustrated by Pokémon legend Atsuko Nishida.
3. How do you know if a Pokémon card is real or fake? To determine if a Pokémon card is real or fake, check for symmetry, correlation between the account number and card name, magnetic strip, receipt match, hologram, signature strip, UV logos, and microprint.

Authentication and Verification

4. Are bendy Pokémon cards fake? If a Pokémon card bends with great ease, it’s likely fake, as real cards are not flimsy.
5. What do fake Pokémon cards feel like? Fake Pokémon cards tend to feel either papery or plasticy due to the low-quality materials used in their creation.
6. Are all Pokémon ex cards fake? Not all Pokémon ex cards are fake; real Pokémon cards are made of two thin pieces of cardboard glued together, with a black layer in between, which can be revealed by ripping the card.

Pokémon Card Values and Sales

7. Is it illegal to use a fake card? Using a fake credit card or any counterfeit card for purchases or online payments is considered fraudulent activity and can lead to serious consequences, including steep fines and jail time.
8. Can you go to jail for using someone else’s debit card? In California, using a credit or debit card to obtain goods, services, or money when you know the card to be fake, forged, expired, invalid, or belonging to someone else can result in up to 3 years in jail.
9. Are McDonald’s Pokémon cards real? Yes, McDonald’s Pokémon cards are real, created by The Pokémon Company as promotional cards available at participating McDonald’s locations, often featuring unique symbols and highly desired by collectors.

Rare and Expensive Pokémon Cards

10. Which Pokémon is worth $1 million? A rare holographic “Illustrator” Pikachu Pokémon card first released in 1998 has been sold for a record-breaking $900,000.
11. Is the Pikachu Illustrator card rare? Yes, the Pikachu Illustrator card is one of the rarest in the game, with only 41 copies ever issued.
12. Why is the PSA Grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator card so expensive? The PSA Grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator card is extremely rare, with only one having been given a PSA rating of 10, making it highly valuable.

Counterfeit Pokémon Cards

13. Are gold Pokémon cards real? Yes, gold Pokémon cards made with real gold have been released by The Pokémon Company for celebrations and promotional events, although they are not common and difficult to find.
14. Are purple back Pokémon cards real? Fake Pokémon cards often have poor print quality, with colors appearing overly dark, and blues becoming muted or purplish.
15. How can you tell if a Charizard Vmax is real? Real Charizard Vmax cards can be distinguished from fakes by examining the reflectivity of the card, with fake cards often having a slightly reflective back and bright, eye-hurting foil.