People spend tens of thousands of dollars on unopened boxes of Pokemon cards and rare cards that are hard to find because there is always a market for rare and unique Pokemon cards.
In the last two years, celebrities and people with a lot of power have also been involved, which has made the situation even worse.
The situation has gotten so bad that collectors, dealers, and even fans are crowding into stores, making an unsettling scene.
Because of this, some stores no longer sell any Pokemon cards at all.This is a fun time.
When you’re done with the list, you’ll wonder what people are looking for in their packs.You might want to find out if the binder of cards you have in your attic is worth anything.
After talking to a huge auction house called PWCC Marketplace and doing some research on my own, I’ve made a long list of the most valuable and sought-after Pokemon cards that are available.
I didn’t include duplicates on the list because, if I had, it would have been made up of different kinds of Charizard cards and one trainer card.
This is also a chance to pay tribute to the Ishihara Pokemon card, which was recently sold at auction for a staggering $240,000.
It has pictures of Pokemon company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara and was given out at his 60th birthday party in 2017.
The fact that the CEO signed this very rare card made it even more valuable. This is why it was sold for such a high price.
Amazing card, crazy price, but the fact that it was signed by the CEO makes it stand out on our list because it’s not like any other rare Pokemon card.
Be careful, because the numbers you’re about to see are huge.As of right now, the most expensive Pokemon cards ever.
23. Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star POP Series 5
Two Gold Star Pokemon cards from one of the most wanted sets of Pokemon cards ever.
Sold in February 2021 for $22,000
Gold Star Pokemon cards are some of the most sought-after cards, and they can sell for a huge amount of money.
Between 2004 and 2007, only 27 Gold Star cards came out. This makes them one of the rarest Pokemon cards on the market.
Even though all Gold Star Pokemon cards are rare, the ones that people want the most are the “Eeveelutions.” These are the different forms that the basic Gen 1 Pokemon Eevee can take.
The original Japanese-language versions of the cards that are sold by the Pokemon Players Club are the rarest of all.
Players could use the points they earned by taking part in official tournaments and games to buy special cards.
The one that cost the most was Espeon 025/PLAY. Espeon 025/PLAY card cost 40,000 EXP points, while Umbreon 026/PLAY cost 70,000 points.
Even though the Japanese versions of these cards are the most valuable because they are hard to find, the English versions of Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star cards also sell for a lot.
A Gold Star Espeon in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition sold at auction for more than $22,000 in February 2021, and an Umbreon in excellent condition sold at auction on December 20, 2020 for just under $20,000.
PSA thinks that the two cards are worth a total of $194,209 and $187,277, which makes them the two most wanted 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
Poliwrath from the Japanese Base Set is the last card in the top 21 of the list of the most expensive Pokemon cards.
Water-type Pokemon have always been among the lower-valued cards from the 1996 and 1999 sets, but this card is different.
As with the 1st Edition of the English version, the first printing of the Japanese set had no marks at all.Since only a small number of the set were made, not a single one was still around thirty years later.
If you look at “THE” earliest version of the famous card, you’ll see why its value has gone through the roof in 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, people who had been collecting Pokemon cards since the game came out in 1999 had started to lose interest. So, compared to other expansions, the number of Skyridge sets made was much lower.
It would also be the last edition printed by Wizards of the Coast. The famous e-reader layouts were made to work with games like the Game Boy Advance.
Because it wasn’t made very often, this set of Pokemon cards is one of the most expensive to find from that time.
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 made Pokemon cards called “Gold Star” to get people interested in the hobby again. The new line of collectibles came out with the criminally underrated Team Rocket Returns expansion, which had a small print run.
Due to how popular it was, Hoenn’s Fire-type starter Torchic quickly became one of the most wanted Pokemon cards of the year.
There’s nothing wrong with it?
It’s one of the most beautiful pictures that has ever been in a TCG book.
In 2020, the item was put up for auction and sold for $24,400.In 2016, the same thing sold for $300, so this is an amazing deal.
This means that the value of the Pokemon cards has gone up by an amazing 800% 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, the Base Set, which came out in North America in 1999, is the best thing ever.
Not only does it have some of the most famous artwork from the TCG series, but it also brings back a lot of memories for players.
In the end, the Pokemon cards from the new set have gone up in value the most in the last ten years.
Fans have gone crazy over the cute Chansey 3 Pokemon card, even though it’s not a huge hit in the whole series. When it started selling for very high prices, it surprised people in the business.
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 one of these valuable and rare business cards is one-of-a-kind.
Sold in April 2021 for $31,200
The No. One Trainer card is one of the rarest and most important Pokemon cards. On these items. In Japan in early 2002, this card was given to the winners of local Battle Road Spring tournaments. (Battle Road Summer versions were given out at later tournaments that year.)
Regional tournaments were held to help people qualify for the Pokemon World Championships. Only a few no. 1 Trainer cards were made for the winners, making them one of the rarest Pokemon cards you can find.
In addition to being rare, each No.1 Trainer card had the name of the tournament winner engraved on it, making each card unique.
Based on Heritage Auctions, the fact that the cards are personalized means that they don’t get sold at auctions very often. This makes them even less common among the many Pokemon cards.
Ken Sugimori, who is best known as one of the main people who made and drew the first generation of Pokémon, drew the No.1 Trainer cards from 2002. It has 151 Pokemon on it.
The text on the card says, “This is a tribute to the Pokemon Card Game Official Tournament Battle Road Spring 2002 champion.”
The No.1 Trainer design by Sugimori, which has fan-favorite Pokemon like Pikachu, Chansey, and Marrill, is a big hit. The art on this card is unique, which makes it stand out from others.
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
Blastoise is not only one of the most popular characters in the Game Freak RPG, but it has also become one of the most valuable Pokemon cards you can buy.
Kids who grew up with the Base Set in 1999 could easily compare the turtle to the sought-after Charizard, so it makes sense that many people are still willing to pay money for the iconic Pokemon.
Even though the 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Pokemon card has always been worth a lot of money, its value has gone up a lot in the last few years.
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
Rayquaza was an early favorite of Ruby and Sapphire, and its popularity has grown over the last ten years. So it makes sense that over time, the value of its cards would also start to rise.
The Pokemon Company came out with the Flying/Dragon-type Ex Deoxys TCG expansion in 2005.
Japanese company released “Gold Star” Pokemon cards into the hobby world to get Pokemon collectors interested in the set.
As we said before, the very rare Pokemon cards had a special symbol in front of the name of the Pokemon.
The Hoenn Legendary is, of course, the most valuable of these items marked with a special symbol.
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
This card is interesting because it is the first in the top 20 that is so bad that it didn’t even get a grade. Even so, PSA will still give it an official Authentication in this case.
But don’t let the grade fool you. The Tropical No. 2 Trainer card is in perfect condition, except for the back, which has lost color and faded because of the sun.
It came out for the first time in Japan during the 1999 Mega Battle tournament. The Pokemon card was only given to the best players.PSA has only seen five of them, which makes it one of the most wanted Pokemon cards.
Even though it’s not very good, the fact that it’s so rare makes it a great deal. Consider 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 Mew Victory Orb Trophy, the second card on the list, was given to the winner of the Summer Battle Road competition in 1998.
Only the top three Trainers in each bracket got the rare Pokemon card. The tournament took place in nine different parts of Japan.
PSA says that only 16 cards have gotten the very sought-after Gem Mint 10 score.One of these beautiful items came up at a PWCC auction in December 2020.
It was worth $60,000 and sold to 51 bidders.Even the same plaque that was given to the winner at the end of the auction was used to present it.
As we go down the list, you can expect more top-tier Pokemon cards to be at the top because they were given away at tournaments and are very rare, making them more valuable.
11. Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind Promo
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading:PSA – Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card auction value: $65,100
The Tropical Mega Battle promo card is a holy grail for Psyduck fans, even though it’s not the most flashy card on the list.
The Water-type Pokémon playing the ukulele while hanging out in a hammock with Jigglypuff is as cute as it gets.
Before The Pokemon Company turned the competitive TCG scene into the World Championships in 2004, one of the competitions was called The Tropical Mega Battle.The event took place in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1999.
Only 50 players from different countries around the world were invited to play against each other because there were different Trophy Pokemon Cards to be won.
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 Japan, Shogakukan’s Magazines held a contest for students in 1998. Fans who took the tests in the magazine could send them back to the company so they could be graded.
Students who did well in school that year were invited to an event in Osaka for those who did well.The kids were able to take part in a special battle with Pokemon cards.
The winners of this one-of-a-kind contest got a special Magikarp Trophy Pokemon card Promo in the end.
Due to the fact that this TCG item was made available to the public in a way that no one can figure out, It is definitely one of the most wanted Pokemon cards on our list.
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 different forms are some of the most well-known Pokemon characters. So, it makes sense that a Gold Star Umbreon would become one of the most sought-after Pokemon cards in the TCG very quickly.
The story behind this Pokemon card is also unique because players had to earn more than 100,000 XP points by the end of season four of the Pokemon Players Club to get it.
Trainers had to go to events in person and also win a lot of games.
Because there aren’t many people there, Few of these Pokemon cards have been sold because there aren’t many of them.This changed when Gold Star Umbreon sold at auction for $70,000 in June of 2021.
The fact that it has a BGS quality of 9.5 makes it even rarer, since only two other items in the world have gotten an A grade this high.
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. Illustration card of Pikachu
- 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.
FAQs
What are Pokemon Cards?
Pokemon Cards are trading cards that feature various Pokemon and their related characters, items, and abilities. Players can collect, trade, and play with Pokemon Cards, and they are an integral part of the Pokemon Trading Card Game.
What is the Pokemon Trading Card Game?
The Pokemon Trading Card Game is a collectible card game in which players use Pokemon Cards to battle against each other. Each player builds a deck of cards, with the goal of defeating their opponent’s Pokemon. The game includes different types of cards, such as Trainer Cards and Energy Cards, which can be used to enhance a player’s Pokemon during battle.
How can you collect Pokemon Cards?
Pokemon Cards can be collected through booster packs, theme decks, tins, and other special collections. Booster packs typically contain a randomized selection of cards, while theme decks and tins offer pre-constructed decks of cards that can be used to start playing the game.
What makes some Pokemon Cards more valuable than others?
The value of a Pokemon Card can be influenced by factors such as rarity, condition, and popularity. Rare cards, such as those with unique artwork or holographic patterns, can be more valuable than common cards. Cards that are in pristine condition, with no creases, marks, or damage, can also be more valuable. Finally, cards that feature popular or powerful Pokemon may also be more valuable than others.
Are there any rules or restrictions on using Pokemon Cards in official tournaments?
Yes, the Pokemon Trading Card Game has a set of official rules and regulations that govern how cards can be used in tournaments. These rules cover things like the size and composition of a player’s deck, how cards can be played and used during battles, and restrictions on certain cards and abilities. Players are expected to adhere to these rules in order to participate in official Pokemon TCG events.
