Pokémon cards are primarily made from high-density, multi-layered paperboard, often using a "blue core" or "black core" center to increase opacity and rigidity. The process involves laminating two sheets of paper together, printing with CMYK ink, applying foil layers for holographic cards, and applying a glossy, protective coating.
On February 16, 2026, content creator Logan Paul sold a rare PSA 10-graded 1998 Pikachu Illustrator card for a record-breaking $16,492,000 at a Goldin auction. The sale set a new world record for the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction.
Can you believe a piece of multi-layered paperboard sold for over 16 million dollars!? I am a big fan of cards, mostly sports, but for a card to sell for this much is just plain crazy. I mean with 16 million dollars, you can achieve complete financial independence, generating significant annual income through investments while funding a high-end lifestyle. Key options include retiring early, creating diversified portfolios (stocks, real estate), funding philanthropic causes, starting businesses, and enjoying luxury, such as private travel or premier real estate. So why spend that kind of money on 1 card? It makes no sense to me.
Now, I'm not rich, but the most I have ever spent on a card was $140 for a signed football card. And this was my favorite player from a local team. I can't imagine having that kind of money to waste on 1 card. A.J. Scaramucci, who aims to "collect the uncollectible," purchased the item as part of his "planetary treasure hunt" for rare, culturally significant assets. He expressed a belief that in the future this card could be worth 100 million. Time will tell. But, for me if I ever get that kind of money I'm not buying a Pokémon card!
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