It's interesting to say the least how this has all been panning about over the weeks. I never anticipated this much response and such a wide -range too. from criticism to respect and just playing it safe with being neutral, which if I didn't know everyone involved would be the position I would take. Let me be as clear as possible on how all of this actually did pan out and not plan out as many of you think. This is not a grandiose Pokegym prank put together by anyone but a happy coincidence that would not have been fully realized without me. the steps that have been taking to achieve all of this has been this
1. I asked spookees about a couple of months ago because I trust her to find me an ultra-rare Pokemon card, in-fact I asked her to compile a list of the rarest Pokemon cards in the world; I did not I repeat did not ask outright for the PR-Raichu
2. in about a couple of days she emailed me informing me she knew someone that kept one in a nine-pocket card-binder, so like many of you would probably think I too thought briefly who is this a 9yr. old kid? far from it was an actual former WOTC employee. because I had limited spending funds (sorry I'm not royalty, just a guy who appreciates high end pokemon cards for some mysterious reason.) I was hesitant to buy the card because I thought there were others that were sold.
3. I wanted to help spookees compile the list, and I stumbled upon this wonderful site, I was going to leave and never have become a member if I didn't find out there was a Trophy card gallery section, when I tried to view the material they said I would need to login or become a member, since it was free I was like ok so I became a member.
4. While I was a member I realized how historical and well respected the PR-Raichu was and still is. I was still hesitant though on the purchase because as a collector I do not like not knowing how many are out there, since prices and issues published ranged greatly.
5. Since I was a member of PSA and knowing PSA has graded alot of pokemon cards I asked generically if anyone has attempted to grade a TMB or SSB trophy card on the Gym. My concern was because there are more Japanese Pikachu cards graded by PSA than not, but there has never been an TMB or SSB trophy (there maybe a No.2 TMB graded by PSA in a couple or months or so along with other high-end pokemon cards if a certain member on the gym has taken my word of advice) look it up on psacard.com if you are a member if you don't believe me. sadly no-one responded:frown:
6. A post in the price guide discussion opened as these often do from time to time about rarest/most expensive pokemon card and as often as not many are way off in their assessments. And as usual the most expensive non promotional/tournament acquired/required card that comes up is the PR-Raichu. I asked innocently if anyone knows if any has been publicly sold, a paraphrased response was "No it would be a feeding frenzy do to its legendary history and rarity.' It was probably because of that, that got me to email spookees and ask is the person still willing to sell she said yes and gave me the price. On that price-page forum I started the rumor saying 'do not quote me on this but a Prerelease Raichu maybe sold and put on ebay(ebay deal is off) and that it'll be graded by PSA(PSA is pending).'
7. And with that quote the skeptics came out of the wood-work, so I decided to finally purchase it based on the trust and respect I had for spookees. Since I did not know who the previous owner was until the package was delivered and yes this is the first time that particular raichu card has changed hands. I started the thread about my decision to buy the PR-Raichu! with a winking smiley face for cheap advertisement and to keep the discussions interesting. I had no idea that PokePop was the middle-man between the owner and spookees just as I didn't know she was the middle-woman between me and PokePop until I got a PM from someone claiming this to be the case and to be honest I didn't believe the person, until I mentioned on the thread I started, that everything will be disclosed other than the price, That's when PokePop's wrath awoke so I timidly with reluctance put forth the price, he quickly corrected it but a couple people caught the price I disclosed on that thread. No one, I repeat no one knew I was going to start the thread on purchasing the Pr-Raichu!
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