Pikachu Illustrator: The Only PSA 9 With an MBA Gold Diamond

The PSA Mint 9 Pikachu Illustrator with an MBA Gold Diamond. Source: Heritage Auctions

According to Heritage Auctions, the Pikachu Illustrator leading its Sept. 18–19 sale is the only PSA 9 example bearing an MBA Gold Diamond. Bidding had already passed $1 million in early September, before the auction was complete.

The PSA grade stays at 9

The Gold Diamond is an enhancement within the PSA 9 grade, not a PSA 9.5 grade. Heritage managing director Jesus Garcia explains that PSA assigns whole-number grades, while MBA awarded the Gold Diamond because it considers this card worthy of a 9.5. Its PSA grade remains Mint 9.

What the population report counts

PSA CardFacts currently lists 15 examples at MINT 9 and one example at GEM MT 10 above them. Those figures describe PSA’s grading population, not the total number of surviving cards.

Heritage says 39 copies were distributed as prizes through three CoroCoro Comic illustration contests that began in 1998. The unnumbered Japanese promotional card features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, along with the unusual “Illustrator” title and pen symbol.

Two Dallas sessions are still to come

Session one is scheduled for Sept. 18 and session two for Sept. 19 in Dallas. As of Sept. 7 KST, the amount above $1 million is an in-progress bid rather than a completed sale price. Live bidding can still change it, and the buyer’s premium means the final realized total will not be known until the auction ends.