1998 JAPANESE UNIVERSITY MAGIKARP - TAMAMUSHI UNIVERSITY HYPER TEST DAY TWO PRIZE
Condition
CGC 8 NM-MT
Description
Offered here is one of the most legendary and academically significant Pokémon cards ever produced: the 1998 Japanese University Magikarp, issued as a Day Two Prize at the exclusive Tamamushi University Hyper Test—a tournament-style examination administered to elite players in Japan during the earliest era of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Unlike standard promotional releases, this card was earned, not distributed, awarded only to participants who advanced through rigorous competitive and knowledge-based testing. As a result, authentic examples are exceedingly scarce, with survival rates dramatically lower than most early Japanese promos. This specimen is encapsulated by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) and graded NM/MINT 8, a highly desirable grade for this issue given its age, fragility, and the historical handling conditions typical of prize cards from the late 1990s. The iconic artwork by Ken Sugimori, featuring Magikarp amid a dramatic lightning motif, has become a defining visual of Pokémon’s formative competitive history. Universally recognized as a cornerstone of serious Pokémon collections, the University Magikarp occupies the same conversation as other academic and tournament-issued grails, standing as a symbol of prestige, intellect, and early mastery of the game. An exceptional acquisition for the advanced collector, institutional archive, or Private Client seeking a true blue-chip Pokémon artifact with unquestionable provenance and enduring global demand. Rarity & Significance • Prize card from an invite-only academic tournament • Not commercially distributed • One of the earliest elite competition Pokémon cards • Widely regarded as a top-tier vintage Pokémon grail
Provenance
Private Collector, USA
