An ultra-rare 1998 Pikachu Silver Trophy card just sold for a record $444,000!

The second-place prize from the 1997-98 Japanese Lizardon Mega Battle Pokemon tournament events came in first at Goldin, setting a new record for the card and giving collectors the opportunity to take this rare gem home.

These were extremely limited in their release and had only been printed once before. This sale set a new all-time record for this card.

"Graded GEM MT 10 by PSA (79170301). Among all of the scant 4 examples of this piece in PSA's census reporting, this is the sole piece at this unimprovable tier. Among the top tiers of Pokemon collecting, various cards have vied for a spot on the "Most Sought After" lists, spectacular pieces that haunt a collector's dreams, only to be seen at intermittent extended intervals, if ever spied at all.

Offered is the 1998 Pokémon Japanese Trophy Pikachu No.2 Silver Trophy. Presented as the second place prize from the 1997-98 Japanese Lizardon Mega Battle Pokemon tournament events, these cards were extremely limited in their release and had only been printed once before (for the first official Japanese Pokemon tournament in 1997).

Beginning in '97, the Lizardon (Charizard) tournament was held, only the second official Japanese tournament, honoring the mighty Fire/Flying-type Pokemon, who remains a fan favorite over 20 years later.

In artwork by Pokemon legend Mitsuhiro Arita, No.2 Trainer Pikachu holds its trophy close, grinning with triumph against a glimmering silver foil. Based on the number of events held and the two age groups participating, it is believed that there are only 14 examples of this card in existence.

This example presents beautifully, with excellent color and surfaces. A GEM MINT example of early Trophy Pikachu Trainer offerings, is a true temptation for anyone who indeed must "catch 'em all." - Goldin.

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