Holo Lugia Card Sold for Record $360,000
A rare PSA 10 Aquapolis Lugia trading card has fetched a record-breaking sum at auction.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Collecting
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A PSA 10 Holo Lugia trading card from the Aquapolis e-Reader set sold at auction for $360,000. This sale shatters the previous record price for the specific card by 142%.
Why it matters
The card features the sought-after Crystal Type ability and unique artwork by Naoyo Kimura, making it a highly prized asset for collectors. Its rarity is compounded by the fact that it originated during a period of declining interest in the franchise that resulted in smaller print runs.
The Aquapolis Lugia card, numbered 149/147, is a Secret Rare from the e-Reader era. It is one of many cards illustrated by Naoyo Kimura, who has contributed art for approximately 260 total cards.
The players
Naoyo Kimura
An illustrator who has provided artwork for approximately 260 cards within the trading card game.
The details
Graded at a PSA 10, the card showcases the Crystal Type mechanic that allows for type changes based on attached Basic Energy. Its status as a Secret Rare from the Aquapolis set has driven significant demand among hobbyists seeking high-grade specimens from limited-production runs.
Timeline
Late September 2026: A rare Pikachu promo card sold for $8.4 million.
October 6, 2026: The record-breaking sale of the Holo Lugia card was confirmed.
Culture Shift
This sale follows the broader historical market performance of Crystal Type e-Reader cards, which have seen sustained interest despite the niche nature of their original print run. The result signals a continued move toward high-end collectibility for items produced during the franchise's less popular years.
For collectors, this sale reinforces the immense value of high-grade cards from the e-Reader sets, potentially influencing their own acquisition and grading strategies. It also highlights the extreme price volatility that can occur in the high-end secondary market for rare hobby items.
The takeaway
Collectors should note that professional grading at the highest level is a significant driver of valuation for rare items. Rarity combined with high-quality preservation remains the primary catalyst for significant price increases in the trading card hobby.
Further reading
Discover more about the Collecting market and current trends in high-end trading cards.
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