Trump’s Pentagon Joins the Trend: Rare Pokémon Cards Up for Sale

Rare Pokémon cards are secured in one of the most fortified spots in the U.S. The Surging Sparks Pikachu, featuring a stunning full art design of the iconic yellow character wearing a Stellar-type Tera crown, is housed in a Lucky Box vending machine located in the Pentagon food court. Good luck trying to swipe that, card thieves.

Reports indicate that this Lucky Box machine, which operates like a gacha system for rare, graded cards from both sports and trading card games, was installed at the military headquarters around Christmas Eve last month.

In a now-removed announcement on social media, Lucky Box revealed the placement of one of its loot box machines in the Pentagon food court. Among the potential prizes advertised is the coveted Pikachu card. Photos shared on the Army subreddit show the machine also features a giant Charizard card image, though it’s unclear if the actual card is included or if it’s merely for decoration. Taking a chance at a Lucky Box machine can set you back anywhere from $100 to $200.

Lucky Box’s social media showcases images of big winners, some of whom have snagged rare Pokémon cards, while others have walked away with autographed jerseys from various sports teams. However, it seems no one has hit the jackpot in the Pentagon just yet. Most of their posts highlight the machines in Las Vegas, where over 20 of them are located. The showcased winners have found some impressive Pokémon cards, including a rare Venusaur and the ancient Mew promo card from the theatrical release of Pokémon: The First Movie.

Pokémon cards are often viewed as a form of gambling by those who rip open packs in hopes of cashing in, but it’s particularly striking to see this concept laid out so clearly, with valuable cards locked away in a machine that demands hundreds of dollars for a slim chance at a win. Thankfully, the world’s most powerful military is keeping watch over the machine until a lucky player comes along.