The constant market for unique and precious Pokemon cards has caused an uproar with people spending many thousands of dollars for boxes that are not opened as well as scarce cards.
Celebrities as well as influential influencers have been involved in the last two years as well and have blown up the situation further. The situation has reached a point that stores are overrun by people who collect, dealers, and even fans, and all of them are causing an unsettling scene.
Because of this, some retail stores have stopped selling Pokemon cards completely. It’s an exciting time.
After the list, you’ll be wondering what people hope to find in their packs. Perhaps you’d like to determine if the binder of cards tucked away in your attic is worth something?
After talking to a massive auction house known as PWCC Marketplace as well as conducting some research on my own I’ve put together an extensive list of the most sought-after and most important Pokemon cards that are available.
To compile the list I decided to stay clear of duplicates since otherwise, this list would consist of various types of Charizard cards, as well as one trainer card.
Also an opportunity to pay tribute to the extremely rare Ishihara Pokemon card that was auctioned off recently for an astounding $240,000.
It is adorned with artwork featuring Pokemon company’s Chief Executive Officer Tsunekazu Ishihara as well as was handed out at his 60th birthday celebrations in the year 2017. What made this extremely rare card more valuable was the fact that the CEO signed the card that explains why it was sold for such a high price.
Amazing card, insane cost, but the fact that it was signed by the CEO makes it a standout on our list because it gives it different from an ordinary, rare Pokemon card, in our opinion.
Beware: The numbers you’re going to see are massive. As of right now, the cost Pokemon cards of all time.
23. Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star POP Series 5
Two Gold Star Pokemon cards from one of the most sought-after Pokemon sets of all time.
Sold for $22,000 in February 2021
Gold Star Pokemon cards are among the most sought-after set of Pokemon cards available and can command a staggering price!
There were only 27 Gold Star cards were released between 2004 and 2007 making them one of the rarest Pokemon cards on the market.
Although all Gold Star Pokemon cards are uncommon, the most sought-after are the ‘Eeveelutions’ — the various forms that basic Gen 1 Pokemon Eevee can develop.
The rarest of the rarest is the Japanese-language original versions of the cards that are available by the Pokemon Players Club, who could use the points they earned from taking part in officially organized tournaments and play to get exclusive cards.
Espeon 025/PLAY was the most expensive of them. Espeon 025/PLAY card was required to collect the equivalent of 40,000 EXP points to be earned, while Umbreon 026/PLAY was the most expensive, costing 70,000 points.
Although the Japanese version of these cards is most sought-after because of their lack of availability, the versions in English of the Espeon, as well as the Umbreon Gold Star cards, fetch an impressive cost.
A Gold Star Espeon rated at PSA 10 Gem Mint condition was auctioned during February of 2021 for more than $22,000 and an Umbreon that was graded as being in excellent condition was sold for just under $20,000 in the auction held on December 20, 2020.
PSA estimates the two cards at $194.209 and $187,277 respectively, giving them the status of the two most sought-after Pokemon cards in the world.
22. Poliwrath No Rarity Symbol Base Set
- Release Date: 1996
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon cards value when auctioned: $25,015
Rounding out the top 21 of the most expensive Pokemon cards list is Poliwrath from the Japanese version of the Base Set. While the Water-type ‘mon has traditionally been one of the weaker valued cards from the 1996 and 1999 releases, this item is special.
As with the English version, which has a 1st Edition run, the very first printing in the Japanese set had no marks whatsoever. Since there were only small quantities printed on the set, not a single one survived to be seen three decades later.
Take a look at taking a look at “THE” earliest version of the iconic card and you’ll understand the reason why its value has skyrocketed during the past few years. In 2020, it was listed in a PWCC auction which sold for $25,015. If you think that’s too much, we’re just beginning!
21. Crystal Charizard Holo Skyridge
- Release Date: 2003
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card worth during auctions: $25,100
In 2003, interest in Pokemon cards had started to wane among core fans who had been collecting since it launched in 1999. As a result, production of the Skyridge set was considerably lower compared to past expansions.
It would also be the last edition printed from Wizards of the Coasts and has the famous e-reader layouts intended to be a tie-in to games like the Game Boy Advance. Its lack of production has made this set among the most expensive Pokemon cards available to track to find from the period.
The most coveted item in the expansion is not a different name than Charizard. Its extremely rare Crystal Holo design variant was extremely scarce at the time of launch. In November of 2020, an exact graded copy of the sought-after collectible was sold for $25,000 in an auction.
20. Torchic Gold Star Holo Team Rocket Returns
- Release Date: 2004
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon value of the card in auction is $25,400
In 2004, TPC introduced “Gold Star” Pokemon cards to drum up interest in the hobby again. The new line of collectibles had a low print-run and made their debut alongside the criminally underrated Team Rocket Returns expansion.
Because of its huge popularity Hoenn’s Fire-type starter Torchic immediately was one of the most sought-after Pokemon cards that were released in the year. There’s nothing not to love about it? It’s one of the most beautiful images to ever be featured in the pages of a TCG release.
The item was put to auction in 2020 and was sold for $24,400. This is an incredible value considering the same item sold for $300 in 2016. This gives the Pokemon cards worth an astounding 8000% increase in just four years!
19. Charizard Gold Star Holo Dragon Frontiers
- Release Date: 2006
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction $25,405
Prepare to see more Gold Stars in the list, as the specially marked Pokemon cards will continue to make their appearance throughout the top 20. Next up is Charizard from 2004’s Dragon Frontiers.
It’s no surprise that this item will be a huge fan favourite, given that it has artwork of the Shiny Charizard. The unique variant of the Kanto’mon is incredible with its artwork that depicts the blaze that is burning all around it.
According to PWCC, the report states that one of these rare collectibles was put to bidding during an auction in February 2021.
After everything was done the exclusive item sold for an impressive $24,405 which makes it one of the most sought-after Pokemon cards from that generation.
18. 2010 Pokemon World Championship Master’s Key
- Release Date: 2010
- Grading:BGS – 9
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction $26,900
In 2010, the best pokemon cards players around the world were flown into Waikoloa Village, Hawaii for the World Championships. Upon arrival, contestants were given a Master Key’s Pokemon card.
Because it was designed for players at the event Only 36 of them were actually printed and it’s technically one of the most scarce Pokemon cards ever to exist within the hobby’s more than 25 years of existence.
Even though it was intended only to be used by those attending the festival, one of the tickets was sold to the general public and was auctioned at $26,900 in August of 2020. A nice reward to be rewarded 11 years more.
17. Chansey #3 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction$36,877
For many Pokemon card collectors, it doesn’t get any better than the Base Set which made its North American debut in 1999. Not only does it feature some of the TCG series’ most iconic artwork, but there is also a ton of nostalgia players have connected to the release.
In the end, Pokemon cards from the new release have seen the biggest increase in value in the past decade. While it’s not an enormous hit in the overall franchise the fans have gone crazy over the cute Chansey 3 Pokemon card. It’s stunned industry experts when it began fetching astonishing prices.
With a price of around $20k as of the year 2019, the value of this collectible has only increased. Based on PWCC the 1. Edition Shadowless version was purchased for $36,877 at an auction in November.
9. 2002 Pokemon World Championships No. 1 Trainer
Every single copy of this precious and rare promotional card is unique.
Sold for $31,200 in April 2021
One of the rarest and important Pokemon cards, dubbed No. One Trainer. On this list. This particular card was given to the winners of local Battle Road Spring tournaments held in Japan in early 2002. (Battle Road Summer versions were awarded in later tournaments that year.)
These regional competitions were staged to help qualify The Pokemon World Championships, with only a handful of no. 1 Trainer cards being produced for the few winners, making them one of the rarest Pokemon cards available.
In addition to the card’s rarity, it is that every No.1 Trainer card had been personalized by having names of the winner of the tournament and engraved on the card making each card unique. Based on auction houses Heritage Auctions, the personalised aspect of the cards means that they are not often sold in auctions, making them an even more rare sight among the many Pokemon cards.
The 2002 No.1 Trainer cards were drawn by Ken Sugimori, best known as one of the primary creators and artists of Pokemon’s very first generation of Pokémon. The card has 151 Pokemon.
The card’s text says: “The Pokemon Card Game Official Tournament Battle Road Spring 2002 champion is recognised here, and his honour is praised.” Sugimori’s No.1 Trainer design – which features fans’ favourite Pokemon like Pikachu, Chansey and Marrill The artwork is exclusive to this card, making it distinctly distinctive.
A replica from the Pokemon World Championships No.1 Trainer’s card which came with the original display folder and the envelope it was presented within, and sold at auction in April 2021 for more than $31,000. While it’s certainly not the rarest of the cards, it is the most sought-after of the. 1 Trainer cards, this card remains one of the most sought-after Pokemon cards.
16. Blastoise 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading:PSA- Gem Mint 10
- Pokémon card auction value: $45,100
Not only is Blastoise one of the most beloved characters in the Game Freak RPG, but the Water-type starter has also become one of the most valuable Pokemon cards currently on the market.
The kids who grew up in the year 1999 with Base Set easily equated the turtle with the same degree as the sought-after Charizard and it only makes sense that, even after all these years many are ready to shell out money for the iconic’mon.
While the 1st Edition Shadowless Pokemon card that came out in 1999 has always earned significant money, the cult item has seen an enormous rise in value in recent times. In the PWCC auction that took place in November of 2020,
The rare Base Set Blastoise sold for $45,100.
15. Rayquaza Gold Star Holo Ex Deoxys
- Release Date: 2005
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon value of the card in auction is $45,100
An early favourite of Ruby & Sapphire, Rayquaza has seen an uptick in popularity over the last decade. So it makes sense then that its cards would also start to climb up in value over time.
In 2005, The Pokemon Company released the Ex Deoxys TCG expansion featuring the Flying / Dragon-type.
To get Pokemon collectors to be interested in the set the Japanese company launched “Gold Star” Pokemon cards into the world of hobby. Like we said earlier the extremely scarce Pokemon cards had a unique symbol in front of the mon’s name.
Naturally, the most valuable of these collectibles marked with a special symbol is the Hoenn Legendary itself!
In December of 2020, an extremely certified Gold Star Rayquaza was sold off in an auction for $45,100. Due to the continued success of the Legendary within the franchise and the fact that only a small portion of gold Pokemon Cards were made, we expect this item to appreciate as time passes.
14. Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading: PSA – Authentic
- Pokemon card worth during auctions: $50,300
Interestingly, this is the first Pokemon card in the top 20 that is so poor quality-wise, it didn’t even receive a grade. In situations like this, PSA will still give it an official Authentication.
Don’t let the grading fool you, though, as the Tropical No. 2 Trainer card is pristine except the back which has colour loss and fading due to the sun.
It was first released during The 1999 Mega Battle tournament in Japan The top players only were given the Pokemon card. PSA has indeed seen just five of them, making it among the most sought-after Pokemon cards available.
It’s so rare that it’s an incredible value despite its setbacks in quality. Think about it.
According to PWCC one of the green Exeggutor awards were auctioned off in October of 2020 for $53,300.
It’s fascinating to consider that even a damaged card could be sold for the same price as an automobile.
13. Venusaur No Rarity Symbol Base Set (Autographed)
- Release Date: 1996
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction $55,000
While the English version of the TCG Base Set had the coveted 1st Edition stamped cards, the original run of the 1996 Japanese release simply had no symbol at all. Called No Rarity, the scarce artefacts are truly the first Pokemon cards to ever be made.
A Venusaur from this initial batch was auctioned off during PWCC Auctions on the 18th of November 2021 and was purchased at a staggering $55,000 a record for the adored Kanto starting Pokemon. According to PSA the collectible grade 10 is one of only five to be found in the world.
If this collectible item was not enough it’s the casing on the exterior was also signed by the original artist who created the card, Mitsuhiro Arita. This is a truly unique item that anyone Venusaur collector would love to own.
12. Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trophy
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction $60,000
The second tournament Trophy Pokemon card on the list, the Mew Victory Orb Trophy was given out during the 1998 Summer Battle Road competition. Spanning nine regions across Japan, only the top three Trainers in each bracket scored the rare Pokemon card.
According to PSA, just 16 have received the highly sought-after Gem Mint 10 score. One of these exquisite artefacts came up in a PWCC auction held in December 2020 and was sold to 51 bidders with a value of $60,000. It was even presented in the same plaque that was handed to the winner at the end of the auction.
As we delve further into the list expect more top-of-the-line Pokemon cards taking the top place because they were awarded during tournaments, they are extremely scarce and hence more valuable.
11. Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind Promo
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card auction value: $65,100
While not the most flashy Pokemon card on the list, the Tropical Mega Battle promo is an absolute holy grail for Psyduck fans. It doesn’t get more adorable than seeing the Water-type ‘mon playing the ukulele while chilling in a hammock with Jigglypuff.
Before The Pokemon Company solidified the TCG competitive scene into the World Championships in 2004, one of the earlier versions of the competition was called The Tropical Mega Battle. In 1999, the event had been held at Honolulu, Hawaii.
Just 50 players from diverse nations around the globe were invited to play against one another because a range of Trophy Pokemon Cards were given out during the event. It is clear that the Tropical Wind iteration is incredibly distinctive. The rare item resurfaced at an auction at the PWCC auction in October 2020.
It was sold for an incredible $65,100.
10. Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy Promo
- Release Date: 1998
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction $66,100
In 1998, Shogakukan’s Magazines in Japan offered a contest for school students. Fans that took the various tests offered in the publication could send them back to the company to have them graded.
Students who are able to achieve high scores were invited to attend an event that was held in Osaka that year. The children had the opportunity to take part in a special Pokemon card battle.
The winners of this unique contest eventually received an exclusive Magikarp Trophy Pokemon card Promo.
Due to the utter inscrutability of the way it was made available to the public, and how this TCG item was released It’s definitely one of the most sought-after Pokemon cards that we have listed.
It wasn’t a surprise to find out that the Trophy collectible was put up at auction back in the month of February, and it was sold at a price of $166, 000 on the auction site PWCC.
09. Umbreon Gold Star Holo
- Release Date: 2005
- Grading:BGS – 9.5
- Pokémon card auction value: $70,000
Eevee and its evolutions are some of the most popular characters in the Pokemon franchise. It makes sense then that a Gold Star Umbreon would quickly become one of the most coveted Pokemon cards in the TCG.
The history behind the story behind this Pokemon card is also special in that players needed to earn more than 100,000 XP points before the close of Pokemon Players Club’s season four in order to get it.
Trainers had to not only physically attend events, but also win lots of games.
Because of its small population Due to its low population, few of these Pokemon cards have been put on sale. This changed in June of 2021 when Gold Star Umbreon sold for $70,000 at auction.
The BGS quality at 9.5 makes it even rarer since only two other items in the world have been awarded an A grade of this level.
08. No. 1 Trainer Super Secret Battle
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Pokémon card auction value: $90,000
In 1999, The Pokemon Company hosted regional contests in Japan. Winners received a No. 1 Trainer Pokemon card which granted them access to the final that took place in a secret location.
It was named “Super Secret Battle”, the unique TCG event had a lot of mystique around it. The unique Pokemon card has a picture of Mewtwo that has made it more appealing to those who love it.
In July of 2020 in 2020, the Japanese promotional was sold for the staggering sum of $90,000, making it among the most expensive Pokemon cards ever created.
07. Pokemon World Championships Promo No. 2 Trainer
- Release Date:2006
- Grading:PSA – 9
- Pokémon card auction value: $100,00, 1000,00
The incredibly rare Trophy card was handed out at the 2006 World Championship held in Anaheim, California. Since these Pokemon cards were only given to winners, it makes their population extremely low.
According to PSA, just three collectibles actually believed to have been sold at the time of the competition. It’s almost like an act of treason to place this Pokemon card on the market due to its rarity and rarity, it is rarely offered for sale.
In February 2021, the auction finally went live. With more than 150 bids this auction raked in an astonishing $110,100 in the PWCC auction.
06. Lugia 1st Edition Neo Genesis
- Release Date: 2000
- Grading:BGS – Pristine 10
- Pokémon card auction value: $144,300
Similar to Mewtwo, Lugia was an iconic Legendary for many children who grew up with the series in the ’00s. So it should come as no surprise that its debut as a Pokemon card was a major hit.
A decade later it is now decades later, the Psychic bird has turned popular with collectors. This is why the development of Neo Genesis has seen an incredible increase in its value as people try their best to find the legendary Johto Pokemon card.
While the 1st Edition Lugia broke records in the auction, selling at a staggering $119,000 in 2020 Then, the Beckett certified 10 edition of the card was auctioned off to the tune of $144300 at the PWCC auction that took place in 2021 in May.
BGS graded the card much harder than PSA and makes this stunning Pokemon card among only three cards in the world.
05. Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy
- Release Date: 1998
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction $150,000
We’re now at the top five, and the prices of these most expensive Pokemon cards continue to skyrocket. This 1998 Trophy Pokemon card could only be obtained by participating in a special tournament in Japan. The adorable item features artwork depicting Kangaskhan with its baby in its pouch, surrounded by holo sparkles.
The contest was designed to require both children and their parents to compete with each other for TCG battles. According to reports that there are only 11 copies on the market that have been graded making it among the rarest Trophy Pokemon cards to exist.
In October of 2020 Two PSA 10s from the rare item sold at $150k. Given its limited supply and its price, we believe that this Pokemon card’s worth to rise over the next few years.
04. Ishihara GX Promo (Autographed)
- Release Date: 2017
- Grading:PSA – 7 / Autograph: 9
- Pokémon card auction value: 247 dollars, 230 bucks
A bit of an oddity, this rare promo card contains the artwork of none other than the CEO and President of The Pokemon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara. According to interviews, the special Pokemon card was actually given out to each employee that attended the executive’s birthday in 2017.
The rare Pokemon card was auctioned in April 2020 for $55,000. According to reports, just 30-60 of these TCG rare items are available however it’s difficult to determine if they exist until more of them are released to the market.
In 2021 the 2021 PSA 7 version of the Pokemon card was sold for $247,230 in Goldin Auctions.
The massive increase in this Pokemon card’s value was due to the collectible having been authentically signed by Ishihara himself, creating a unique and rare item on the TCG.
03. Blastoise Wizards Of the Coast presentation Galaxy Star holo
- Release Date: 1998
- Grading:CGG – 8.5
- Pokémon card auction value: $360,000
The Pokemon Trading Card Game community was stunned when this insanely rare Pokemon card was discovered by the public for the first time in 2021. Originally commissioned by Wizards of the Coast in 1998, the Blastoise Presentation card was supposed to give stores an idea of what the TCG line would look like in its final print run.
Although there are various information about the origins of the card It is believed that only two cards are thought to have existed and only one is currently being identified. It’s actually one of the first known Pokemon cards that exist at the very least, for at least the North American release. It was that old that one copy featured an Magic: The Gathering backside attached, and the other one was just unopened.
The historic Nintendo artifact was put up to auction during Heritage Auctions in January 2021. It was went for a staggering $360,000. This makes it the third highest-priced collectible, just one-quarter of an inch lower than it. Base Set Charizard. Since only two exist, it is likely to in the future take over the title of the most important Pokemon card ever. If anything else, it might be the most rare Pokemon card ever made in the world.
02. Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading:PSA – Gem. Mint 10
- Pokemon card worth in auction is $369,000
As almost any kid that grew up in the 90s can attest to, Charizard has always been the crown jewel. If you didn’t have one, you desperately opened booster pack after booster pack trying to obtain the glorious Pokemon card.
The 1st Edition editions of this base card could fetch a staggering price. And even more so if they’re “Shadowless” – an early print version that does not have shadows surrounding the artwork’s border.
On the 9th of October of 2020, a popular artist Logic paid more than $226k for a 1st Edition Charizard and set a new standard in the world of the fire Pokemon card. But, two months later, a brand new record was established.
A bidder at the 12 December PWCC auction paid $350,000 on the 1999 Base Set collectible. It was amazing that just four hours later, a 1st Edition reportedly went for $369,999 as per Goldin Auctions, making it the second-highest priced Pokemon game ever to be sold.
01. c
- Release Date: 1998
- Grading:PSA – 7
- Value of Pokemon cards at auction 375 000 dollars
Without a doubt, one of the rarest and most expensive of the rare Pokemon cards is the elusive Pikachu Illustrator card. In 1997, CoroCoro held an art competition where winners were given the stunning item which depicts the Electric-type adorably drawing other monsters.
In the past five years over the last five years, in the last five years, the Pokemon card has been selling approximately $195k-$200k. In the year 2020 one was sold for $250,000 surpassing that previous mark of $243,000 was set in the year 2019. Amazingly, in February 2021 a PSA 7 version of the card was sold for $375,000 at a PWCC auction.
According to some reports that less than 20 of the cards are believed to exist almost guaranteeing that the Pokemon card’s value will increase in the years to come. For many collectors, The Illustration card of Pikachu is considered the most rare Pokemon game in the hobby.
