Why is Logan Paul‘s Charizard so Expensive?
Because it‘s the rarest and most perfect example of the most iconic Pokémon card ever printed.
Logan Paul‘s 1st Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard is quite simply the Holy Grail for collectors. Its unmatched rarity, pristine condition, cultural significance, publicity from Logan Paul himself, and recent sales have all converged to drive its value into the stratosphere.
Let‘s break down each factor:
Extreme Rarity
This specific Charizard was originally made in 1998 as a prize card for winners of the Pokémon Card Game Illustration Contest held solely in Japan. Based on distribution numbers, experts estimate only 39 copies were ever printed.
To highlight just how tiny that print run is – the rarest modern Pokémon card is the 2005 Lugia Holo, of which there are still 138 copies graded by PSA.
And yet less than 40 Charizards from 1998 remain, debatably making Logan Paul‘s version the absolute rarest Pokémon card in existence.
Perfect PSA 10 Condition
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) has graded hundreds of thousands of Pokémon cards, but out of the entire population only 61 cards have earned their premier "Gem Mint 10" label.
And out of those 61 perfect cards, just 2 of them are 1st Edition Shadowless Charizards like Logan Paul‘s example. Any tiny flaw or speck of damage can tank a card‘s condition grade and value. By achieving the best grade possible, it becomes a true 1-of-1 collector‘s piece.
Cultural Significance
As part of the original 151 Pokémon from 1996 that kicked off the franchise, Charizard holds special nostalgia for 90s kids now growing into prominent collectors.
It‘s arguably the most popular and iconic Pokémon of all-time, particularly the classic holographic artwork from 1999‘s 1st Edition Base Set printed as Pokémon was going global. Cards from those early years are viewed as the absolute holy grail.
Long-time expert collector Leonhart said "The Base Set Charizard is still chase card number one for pretty much any collector". Cards from later years simply lack the same cultural and historical value.
Logan Paul‘s Publicity
As one of YouTube‘s biggest stars with over 23 million subscribers, Logan Paul showing off the card has introduced it to mainstream audiences outside the collecting scene.
His unboxing video revealing the purchase has 3.4 million views. Paul and his fame have made this Charizard a pop culture icon, instead of just famous within collecting circles.
And as Paul displays it around his neck like Flava Flav wears clocks, more people start to grasp how special this Strange Addiction really is.
Recent Sales Figures
The chart below shows how the card Logan Paul owns has exponentially increased in value over time, culminating in a massive public sale in 2022:
| Year | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 2009 | $5,000 |
| 2016 | $50,000 |
| 2020 | $150,000 (to Logan Paul) |
| 2022 | $158,000+ (Logan Paul private sale) |
These sales figures reflect not only inflation from more collectors entering the scene, but the compounding effects of all the growing hype mentioned thus far.
Many expect its value will continue rising over the next decade as high-wealth millenials start battling for the top trophies from their childhood, and Logan Paul keeps showing it off like his $150,000 chain.
In short – thanks to its unmatched rarity, pristine PSA 10 condition, Charizard‘s unrivaled popularity, publicity from Logan Paul himself, and recent sales driving astronomical prices – this specific card demands an extraordinary premium.
It is the undisputed Holy Grail of Pokémon cards amongst collectors and investors. The legendary Mona Lisa of first edition shadowless holographic Charizards.
That is why Logan Paul‘s example is so expensive. Because it checks every single box, and then some, for the world‘s most coveted trading card.
