One thing I’m not sure about is the case. I know it’s authentic looking at it but I was curious about why it looks like that. I have seen different colored cases for this card and I know the other Battle Road trophies also have varying cases. Does it depend on which region/city the tournament was in?
It depends on the type of tournament, and usually the case is different to commemorate the event. It’s usually based on region/season/even type, a combination of all three. This is in my opinion, one of the nicest looking cases out there (similar to the victory orb mew), with only two being marginally better is the master key variant and the 20th battle festa trophy case (mainly because there’s a 20th anniversary stamp on it).
Glad you like that case! I do agree it is cool too (check my IG for the reason ) The three cards, mysterious pearl, wonder platinum and the above miracle diamond all tie in with the case very well; the wonder platinum as mentioned by chok has giratina on it (one of the rarest and hardest cases that I think I saw maybe once in my life and never in auction), and the mysterious pearl is essentially your favorite case but with dialga and palkia reversed. I believe Simon (mega shining magikarp I think is his handle) has a copy of that one!
Multiple people on e4 have already stated that they would have purchased this card for more than it sold for in yjpn but due to it being on that platform, did not end up bidding. I am of course one of those individuals
It is thought that this Victory Ring Pikachu card has around 162 copies. Right now, there are only 19 in the PSA pop. Therefore, it could easily disappear from the market entirely, making this an (almost) once-in-a-lifetime item.
This card has very cool unique artwork. The art is similar to the cgi art on the victory medals of the era. On the pika ring, however, the pikachu is not ugly with weird proportions like it is on the original victory medal cards. The pikachu is cute on the pika ring card. This card is exclusive Japanese artwork, unlike the victory medal cards which have been printed in English and are common in Japan as well. Pika ring is obviously much rarer than the original victory medal cards (which are the closest in art style which is why I am talking about them.
The pika ring is beautiful and includes pikachu, lightning in the background, includes a holo lord of the rings type ring, and looks as if pikachu is link from ocarina of time obtaining a cool item.
Therefore, with a card that is both rare and scarce and has great unique art, the price at least makes sense and to me I would not be surprised if it keeps going higher. Pikachu is a popular Pokemon