Pokémon trading cards were all the rage in the late nineties and early 2000s. The market for buying and trading was in full swing, and filling out your collection was essential to becoming the best Pokémon trainer. Over time, however, some cards have continued to gain value and prestige, making them some of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards for serious collectors. The combination of rarity, editions, promos, nostalgia, and condition significantly influence the value, with rare cards in excellent condition fetching the highest prices.
Most Expensive Pokémon Cards
Collecting Pokémon can extend far beyond keeping a binder full of cards you played with as a kid. The collector’s market is not afraid to spend big to own a rare or valuable card. Examples include unique prize cards, club or competition releases, or even rare first edition cards. Several factors determine the value of each Pokémon card, including rarity, condition, population, grading, and popularity. Of the cards on this list, one is worth a few million, with many more selling for hundreds or tens of thousands of dollars!
1. 1998 Illustrator CoroCoro Comics Promo (Pikachu Illustrator card)
The most rare and expensive Pokémon card set a Guinness World Record when it sold for $5,275,000 to Logan Paul in 2022. Given to winners of the Pokémon Card Game Illustrator Artist Contest by the magazine CoroCoro Comics in the 1990s, there were less than 40 in existence, with only 24 still around today. The card now owned by Logan is the only one graded a PSA 10 (mint condition). Features of this card that make it unique include the word “Illustrator” along the top rather than “Trainer.” It also has a pen symbol and double rarity stars in the bottom right-hand corner. Finally, Atsuko Nishida, the original graphic designer who created Pikachu, also designed the artwork for this card.
Value: $5,275,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
2. 1995 Pokémon Japanese Topsun Charizard, Scarce Blue Back
There is only one PSA Gem Mint Condition 1995 Pokémon Japanese Topsun Charizard with Scarce Blue Back in existence, and it sold in 2021 for just under half a million dollars. There are 31 of this rare and expensive Pokémon card design in total, but none rival this example for its pristine condition. While Charizard cards are always top-rated, this one is especially unique. Its origins pre-date Pokémon “game” pieces, and it features no number and a blue back, rather than the traditional Poxémon design. Additionally, it carries the 1995 date, although it wasn’t distributed until 1997, adding even more allure to this must-have collector’s item.
Value: $493,230
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
3. 1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard #4
Even though there’s a somewhat healthy population of the 1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard #4, they still fetch an incredible price. There are actually over 3,000 cards available; however, only 122 of them have a PSA 10 Gem Mint rating. The top selling price for one of these rare Pokémon cards is $420,000 in 2022, while the average sale price is high-$200,000. Charizard has long been a fan favorite with excellent strength and the highest attack power of the original Pokémon cards. This nostalgia, combined with the fierce artwork from celebrated artist Mitsuhiro Arita, makes it one of the most recognizable and valuable Pokémon cards. It’s a coveted addition to any serious collection.
Value: $420,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
4. Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Hologram
Before the Pokémon Trading Card Game was released in the United States, Wizards of the Coast (the game distributor) executives needed to seek Nintendo’s approval. As part of this, they commissioned two “presentation” pieces, showcasing what the cards would look like in English. The result is this Blastoise prototype, with a Galaxy star holofoil front and a blank white back. One of these sold for $360,000 in 2021, while the location of the other is unknown. CGC trading cards inspected and certified this example with an NM/Mint+ 8.5 condition rating. Being such an essential part of Pokémon history in the West makes this a hugely desirable oddity for passionate collectors. In addition to this rare Pokémon card, there are also three other test prints of the Blastoise Prototype that have a Magic The Gathering back.
Value: $360,000
Grade: NM/Mint+ 8.5
5. 1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set Holo Charizard No Rarity, Arita Autograph
Unlike the Charizard card above, this is the Japanese version of the 1996 Pokémon Base Set Holo Charizard. It’s an important piece of Pokémon and trading card history and differs from the English edition in several ways. This includes the absence of a rarity symbol but the addition of the trademark cosmos holofoil pattern. There are 32 PSA 9 copies worldwide, but only seven of the highly coveted PSA 10s, making this a truly rare and expensive Pokémon. However, this particular card is even more unique because it’s been signed by legendary Pokémon artist Mitsuhiro Arita. It’s a one-of-a-kind collectors’ item and well worth the hefty $324,000 price tag!
Value: $324,000
Grade: PSA 10
6. 2017 P.M. SM Black Star #TPCi01 Tsunekazu Ishihara Signed Pokémon GX Promo Card
A custom-designed Pokémon card is the perfect way to celebrate the 60th birthday of the founder and president of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara. He was involved in the early development of the Red and Green video games, as well as the trading card game. As such, he’s an integral part of Pokémon history. The design features Tsunekazu as an Ultra Beast holding Sinnoh Ghost-type Rotom. It’s estimated that only 30 to 60 of these cards were printed and gifted to employees. However, because employees are banned from selling their cards, it’s rare that one ended up on the market, fetching nearly a quarter of a million dollars, even though it only has a PSA NM 7 rating. What makes this Pokémon card extra special is that it’s signed by Tsunekazu Ishihara himself!
Value: $247,230
Grade: PSA NM 7
7. 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Bronze 3rd-2nd Tournament Trophy Pikachu #3
There are approximately 15 copies of the Bronze Trophy Pikachu, which were awarded to the third-place winners of the regional qualifiers of the 1997/1998 Lizardon Mega Battle in Japan. This championship is considered Japan’s first official national championship, and the cards were given inside an acrylic plaque. Of those 15, five have a PSA rating of 9, with none rated higher. Mitsuhiro Arita designed the artwork with the “chubby” Pikachu, exceptional attention to detail, and holographic finish. The aesthetic appeal, museum quality, and historical importance add even more charm to this rare and expensive Pokémon card.
Value: $192,000
Grade: PSA 9
8. Kangaskhan-Holo #115 (Family Event Trophy Card)
This PSA 10 Gem Mint condition rare Pokémon card sold for an epic $150,100 in 2020. There is a very small population of this Kangaskhan-Holo card, with only 52 officially graded. They were promo cards awarded to participants of the 1998 Parent/Child Mega Battle Tournament who achieved a certain number of wins. Design-wise, they’re also unique, featuring the original Pocket Monsters Card Game logo on the front and back. The artwork showcases Kangaskhan posing with its baby, which is an apt choice for a competition where duos of parents and kids battle it out for Pokémon glory!
Value: $150,100
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
9. 2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9
In 2000, the Pokémon Trading Card Game released the first expansion of Generation 2 Pokémon, with the Neo Genesis set. While this collection featured some favorites, the most popular was the holographic Lugia, with artwork from iconic Game Freak designer Hironobu Yoshida. Early print runs have imperfections and errors, making it difficult for these to achieve a high condition rating. As such, there are less than fifty PSA 10/BGS 10 cards in existence, so it’s a very rare and expensive Pokémon Card.
Value: $144,300
Grade: BGS 10 Pristine
10. 2006 Pokémon World Championships No. 2 Trophy Trainer Card
The Hilton Anaheim Hotel in California hosted the 2006 Pokémon World Championships. This exclusive event had three days of competition, with players gradually knocked out until only 32 were invited to the third-day single-elimination main tournament. It’s believed only three of these No. 2 Trophy Trainer cards were handed out; however, only one has been verified and graded by PSA, with a grade of 9 Mint. The artwork shows the Gen 1 Kanto Pokémon Mascot Pikachu holding a trophy and inviting the winner back for the 2007 competition. Selling for $110,100 in 2021, this is definitely one of the most rare and expensive Pokemon cards and unlikely to head to market again soon.
Value: $110,100
Grade: PSA 9
11. Pokémon Super Secret Battle “No. 1 Trainer” Trainer Promo Hologram Trading Card (1999)
Only seven of these rare and expensive Pokémon cards from the 1999 Secret Super Battle Tournament exist. They were awarded to the number one ranked players in the regional tournaments and revealed the secret location of the final. Only one of these cards has ever gone on sale, fetching an impressive $90,000 price tag thanks to its rarity and PSA 10 Gem Mint condition. The holographic artwork by Hideki Kazama showcases the original Pocket Monsters Trading Card Game logo as well as the Legendary Mewtwo.
Value: $90,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
12. 1999 Pokémon Game 1st Edition #2 Blastoise – Holo
Like Charizard and Venusaur, Blastoise is an exceptionally popular first-edition Pokémon that pulls on the nostalgic heartstrings. Collectors like to catch all of the “big 3” to display them as a set. This rare and expensive 1999 holographic Pokémon card boasts a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition and sold on eBay for $80,000 in November 2020. However, it sold again just over a month later for the much lower (though still very high) price of $31,975. The 1st Edition Shadowless format also sells for tens of thousands of dollars, further proving the popularity and allure of this water Pokémon.
Value: $80,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
13. 2005 Pokémon Japanese Play Promo 70,000 Pts Holo Umbreon Gold Star #26
It’s notoriously tricky to get your hands on one of the Holo Umbreon Gold Star Pokémon cards. They’re reserved exclusively for members of the official Pokémon Players Club who accumulate 70,000 points by the end of their fourth season. As such, the population of this rare and expensive Pokémon card is very low, with only 24 PSA-graded copies existing. Masakazu Fukuda designed the stunning holographic artwork, which is even more spectacular in person. This particular example is certified as PSA 10 Gem Mint and is one of only 17 in such pristine condition.
Value: $78,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
14. University Magikarp Tamamushi Univ. Prize 1998 Nintendo Pokémon Japanese Promo
Magikarp might be a common Pokémon; however, this University Magikarp promo card is a rare gem. In 1998, fans could enter a special competition held by Tamamushi University and published in the Shogakukan magazines. If they passed, they could then attend a special two-day event in Osaka. Players who reached the top were rewarded with this exceptionally rare card. PSA has graded only 68 cards, with just 12 achieving a PSA 10 Gem Mint designation. The card itself showcases the iconic artwork of legendary Pokémon artist Ken Sugimori, making it incredibly recognizable.
Value: $78,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
15. 1999 Pokémon Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind Trainer Card
The exclusive invite-only 1999 Tropical Mega Battle took place in Honolulu, Hawaii, with only 50 players making the cut. The Trainer card, which showcases Psyduck and Jigglypuff chilling in a hammock by the beach, was handed out as part of a set of cards. Promo cards like this are extra rare and expensive Pokémon because they were never available to the general public. Only three PSA 10 Gem Mint graded cards exist, so they don’t go up for sale very often. The majority of the remaining population of cards are rated as PSA 9 or 8.
Value: $65,100
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
16. 2006 Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Holographic Charizard
Compared to the population of other rare and expensive Pokémon cards, the 2006 Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Holographic Charizard actually boasts a healthy number, with 1,500 graded copies in existence. However, of those, only 96 are rated the most desirable PSA 10. The darker and edgier artwork of this card adds to the appeal, as does, of course, the gold star by the name. While $60,000 is the highest price paid so far, these cards average a selling price between $20,000 and $30,000.
Value: $60,066
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
17. 2005 Japanese Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trophy
Only the top three players from each age range in the 2005 Japanese Summer Battle Road tournament received this trophy promo card. As such, it’s one of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards. The artwork by Takumi Akabane on this design is particularly unique, which provides even more appeal. It shows Mew plus and the energy symbols on a stunning holographic background. There are only 16 PSA 10s to exist, and the 2020 sale for $60,000 was well protected in a display case.
Value: $60,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
18. Venusaur 1999 Pokémon Base 1st Ed Shadowless 15/102
The total population of the 1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Venusaur is only 142. As such, this is one of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards and doesn’t come up for sale very often, meaning fans are willing to spend big. A 2021 sale of a PSA 10 Gem Mint example fetched a considerable sum of $60,000. Venusaur is considered one of the original “big 3,” – which also includes Charizard and Blastoise. Consequently, it has nostalgic appeal in addition to the rarity that makes this an incredible addition to any serious collection.
Value: $60,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
19. 2000 Pokémon Topps Chrome Series 1 Tekno Charizard #6
Topps is a trading card production company that released the Pokémon Chrome Trading Card Series 1 in 2000. It featured the first 78 Pokémon and included Spectra-Chrome, Sparkle-Chrome, and Tekno-Chrome variants. The Tekno-Chrome was the least common of these, occurring in only one in 15 packs of five cards. As such, the ever-popular Charizard in this version is one of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards. There are only 30 cards in existence, with only seven of those rated a PSA 10 Gem Mint, like this one that sold for a massive $60,000.
Value: $60,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
20. No Rarity Holographic Venusaur signed by Mitsuhiro Arita
A Japanese Pokémon card that has no rarity is the equivalent of a first edition card and, therefore, very rare and valuable. The Venusaur holographic example is one of only five PSA 10 Gem Mint rated cards, which already sets the standard high. However, this is elevated even more as this card also boasts the signature of Mitsuhiro Arita, the illustrator behind this depiction of Venusaur. It’s a museum-quality piece and a one-off variation, so it’s a must-have addition to a serious Pokémon card collection.
Value: $55,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
21. 1999 Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer
The No. 2 Trainer is a rare and expensive Pokémon card from the 1999 Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle. Players who qualified from the regional rounds in Japan traveled to Hawaii for the finals, and the top three from each region were awarded trainer cards for their respective places. There are only six known examples of this card, with two PSA 10 and three PSA 9. This one is designated as Authentic, as the quality wasn’t sufficient for a grade; however, it still achieved more than $50,000 at auction in 2020. It would be fascinating to see what kind of price a PSA 9 or 10 could reach!
Value: $50,300
Grade: Authentic
22. 2004 Pokémon EX Team Rocket Returns Holo Gold Star Torchic #108
Coming from the Team Rocket Returns set, the Holo Gold Star Torchic is a rarity. There were actually three special Gold Star Cards in this release – Mudkip, Treeko, and the ever-adorable Torchic. The total remaining population of Torchic has over 300 cards currently graded; however, of this, there are only 17 PSA 10 (compared to 38 Mudkip and 44 Treecko). As such, it’s one of the most challenging cards to find in such a pristine condition and therefore demands a high price. Look for the stunning artwork and gold star next to the name.
Value: $50,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
23. 1999 Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle No. 3 Trainer
Like the 1999 Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer, this No. 3 Trainer card was awarded to the respective third-place winners from each region at the 1999 Tropical Mega Battle in Hawaii. This event was the first Pokémon TCG World Championship, which is partly the reason these cards are so historically significant. Of course, the exclusivity and rarity further cement their place in the list of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards. This edition is graded CGC NM/Mint+ 8.5 and is the only one graded by CGC.
Value: $49,854.00
Grade: CGC NM/Mint+ 8.5
24. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Chansey #3
A manufacturing issue means that the 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Chansey is one of the hardest of the original base set cards to find in mint condition. The holographic section on this design scratches more and makes it easy to see these marks and imperfections. As such, it has a very low PSA 10 population of just 48 cards and is one of the rarest and most expensive Pokémon cards. The average price these cards fetch is around $30,000; however, the highest price paid was in 2021 for a massive $45,000.
Value: $45,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
25. 2005 EX Deoxys Gold Star Rayquaza Holographic
Coming from the 2005 EX Deoxys set, this Holographic Gold Star Rayquaza is one of the most sought-after Pokémon cards. The set had seven variants of Rayquaza, and while this was not the rarest in the collection, the Gold Star made it the most desirable. Today, it has a very low PSA 10 population, sitting at just 47, making it particularly unique. Masakazu Fukuda designed the artwork with the dragon seeming to leap off the card.
Value: $44,400
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
26. 2010 Pokémon Japanese Design Promo 4th Grade Winner Illusion’s Zoroark
To coincide with the theatrical release of the Ruler of Illusions: Zoroark movie, CoroCoro Comics ran a competition to design a Pokémon card. Entrants had to submit a design for a Zoroark Pokemon card, and the winners each received 100 printed copies of their creations. As such, each one only had an original population of 100. This majestic scene, designed by a fourth grader, has only 42 cards remaining, with 23 PSA 10 and 18 PSA 9 and one PSA 7. Because they were distributed privately, there have been very few sales; however, the latest one in 2022 fetched a massive sum of $40,800 – a significant increase on previous sale amounts of around $800.
Value: $40,800
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
27. 2000 Pokémon Tropical Mega Battle Lucky Stadium Trainer Promo Trading Card
Another incredibly rare and expensive Pokémon card from the 2000 Tropical Mega Battle Tournament in Hawaii is the Lucky Stadium Trainer. The artwork is by Kouichi Ooyama and shows Staryu soaking up the sun on a tropical beach. These promo designs were given to the contestants, who were there by invite only, so it’s a very exclusive card to own. There’s only a really small population, so when one comes onto the market, it’s a notable event for passionate collectors.
Value: $38,400
Grade: CGC NM/Mint 8.
28. 2000 Pokémon Topps Chrome Series 1 Sparkle Charizard #6
Like the Tekno Charizard, the Sparkle Charizard is also part of the Topps Chrome series from 2000. The odds of finding a card like this are more favorable than the Tekno, with a ratio of one to ten in each five-pack. However, they are still exceptionally rare and a real gem to add to any Pokémon Trading Card collection. Because Topps printed sports cards predominately, this design also differed from regular Pokémon cards because it has sharp corners rather than the traditional round ones. This means it’s harder to find one in pristine condition, as the squared edges are more susceptible to damage.
Value: $38,400
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
29. 1995 Pokémon Japanese Topsun Holofoil Charizard #6
It’s so shiny! The 1995 Japanese Topsun Holofoil Charizard has an all-over holofoil coating that looks spectacular. The downside of this effect is that it’s fragile and scratches easily, which means finding a mint condition card is even more challenging. Consequently, this PSA 10 Gem Mint example is one of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards available. It boasts no scuffs, bright colors, and a clear print. Out of a total population of 202, only 18 have such a high grade.
Value: $37,600
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
30. 2005 Pokémon Japanese Promo Spring Battle Road Victory Ring
The Victory Ring from the 2005 Spring Battle Road is one of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards. Takumi Akabane redesigned the 2003/2004 promo card, keeping the concept of Pikachu holding the Victory Ring from the earlier versions. Because it was an event exclusive card awarded to the top three competitors in each age bracket, PSA has only graded 26 of them. Of those, only 18 take the PSA 10 Gem Mint designation, including this example that sold in 2021 for $36,000. It boasts excellent condition with a holographic design, no evidence of wear, and incredible visual appeal.
Value: $36,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
31. 2010 Daisuki Club 8,600 Pts Master Scroll Holographic
Like many of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards on this list, this is a promo card. It was released in 2010 as part of the L-P Promotional Cards, which tied in with the Pokemon Card Game Legend era. It was an exclusive edition given to members of the Daisuki Club (a Pokémon fan club) who accrued 8,600 points by completing specific tasks. While it’s unknown how many were initially handed out, there is currently only a total population of 58, with only 26 of those the much-lauded PSA 10. The striking design also has unique features that add to the appeal, including a diamond-like appearance along the border.
Value: $35,200
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
32. 2002 Pokémon Trophy Card Neo Summer Battle Road Number 2 Trainer
Fukunishi Tomoki was the 2nd place Junior Division winner of the Kanto region tournament of the 2002 Neo Summer Battle Road. As such, he received this Number 2 Trainer card, which was the last year that displayed both the region and winner’s name, making this an extra unique piece of history. It also has artwork from Pokémon legend Ken Sugimori. Being a trophy card, there was only ever a minimal number given out, so it’s surprising that such a one-of-a-kind example ended up for auction in 2021, achieving an extraordinary price of $34,100.
Value: $34,100
Grade: BGS 7.5 NRMT+
33. 2004 Pokémon World Championships Ken Sugimori Pokémon Cut AUTO DNA
Ken Sugimori is an integral part of Pokémon history. He was an art director for the video games, a talented illustrator, and an original Pokémon character designer responsible for fan favorites such as Venusaur, Gengar, Snorlax, and Mewtwo. However, he also had contract restrictions preventing him from giving autographs. That’s why this card is so special. While it’s not officially a Pokémon, these blank cards were custom-crafted to allow artists to add drawings and autographs at the 2004 Pokémon World Championships. Ken drew Pikachu and signed it in both Kanji and English. It’s a unique, one-off piece that won’t be repeated, so its place on this list of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards is very secure!
Value: $33,000
Grade: PSA 9
34. 2018 Pokémon Promo World Championships Holo No. 3 Trainer
As one of the younger additions, this 2018 Pokémon Promo World Championships Holo No. 3 Trainer fetches an impressive price as one of the most rare and expensive Pokémon cards. The stunning and bright artwork, designed by 5ban Graphics, has a joyous Pikachu, confetti, and holographic finish. Third-place winners of the tournament took these home as a prize card, so there is a very low number available, meaning it’s a bit of a unicorn when it comes up for auction or sale.
Value: $32,400
Grade: PSA 9
35. 2007 Pokémon Japanese Promo Summer Battle Road Miracle Diamond
There’s a bit of drama behind the rarity of the 2007 Pokémon Japanese Promo Summer Battle Road Miracle Diamond. This exclusive card was awarded to the top three players in each age division at the Summer Battle Road regional tournaments in both 2007 and 2008. However, of the 117 intended cards, only 90 were distributed because three of the 2008 events were canceled after someone threatened the Pokémon Card Laboratory. Consequently, this card is even rarer than originally intended. Plus, only ten cards have been graded, with just six achieving a PSA 10 Gem Mint designation.
Value: $32,000
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
History of Pokémon Trading Card Game
October 1996 saw the first release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game by Media Factory. It’s a spin-off of a Nintendo game developed by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. This tabletop card game is a player-vs-player where both ‘trainers’ battle their Pokémon (short for Pocket Monsters) against each other. The original release contained 102 Pokémon illustrated by Ken Sugimori, Mitsuhiro Arita, and Keiji Kinebuchi. You could buy beginner decks of cards, as well as expansion packs, with the goal of “catching them all.” Trading cards among friends and peers was also a popular way of filling in gaps in your collection. In 1999, Wizards of the Coast released Pokémon into the North American market, followed by the rest of the world, with the game played in more than 70 countries. To date, more than 43.2 billion cards have been sold worldwide.
Pokémon Card Value Guide
Like most collectives, such as coins or Beanie Babies, many factors contribute to the value of a Pokémon card. This includes the original number released and the numbers left, condition, special features, card details, as well as misprints or errors. As such, some cards are worth little more than a few dollars, while others will set you back hundreds of thousands of dollars!
Card Rarity Symbol
You’ll find the Pokémon rarity symbol on the bottom of the card, and it’s one of the easiest ways to determine how rare a card is. If your Pokémon card features a circle, then it’s a common card, and you’ll encounter these fairly regularly. Next are uncommon Pokémon cards, which have a diamond symbol, while a star denotes a rare card. Beyond these, there are also Ultra Rare Pokémon cards, which are special releases and generally showcase stunning art with a holographic shine. Lastly, Secret Rare cards are the most difficult to come across, and you’ll be fortunate to find one in a booster pack. Visually they’re similar to the Ultra Rares, but you can identify these because they’ll have a collector number that’s higher than the set number.
Card Edition
Each Pokémon card will display the card’s edition and print date. The earlier the release, the more sought after, with first-edition cards having the most appeal and fetching the highest prices. Cards in the first edition will have this listed in a circle to the bottom left corner of the artwork, so it’s easy to identify them!
Holo Status
Shiny things always attract more attention, and the same applies to Pokémon cards. Some Pokémon cards feature holographic foil over the image, which adds a layer of reflective shine. These are known as Rare Holos and are not very common. You might also find cards where the artwork is matte; however, the rest of the card has the foil finish, meaning this is a reverse holo – these are more common. Lastly, some special edition or ultra rare cards might even have holographic borders or other special shiny features.
Collector Number
As mentioned above, Secret Rare Pokémon cards are among the hardest to find. You can identify these because each Pokémon card has a set number, with an XXX/XXX format. If the first number is higher than the second (e.g., 120/110), that means that the card falls outside the standard range and is, therefore, a secret rare. Additionally, if a collector number also has an “SH” in front, it’s a Shining Pokémon with special artwork that makes it much more desirable for enthusiasts to own.
Card Level
Specific editions of Pokémon cards will also feature a level number by the name. This indicates its power level and can be a number or might be a symbol, word, or letter combination. Additionally, there are Special Pokémon (SP), differentiated by a stylist SP on the artwork. These feature various letter combinations such as GL for Gym Leader’s Pokémon or M for key characters’ Pokémon from the movie Arceus: To a Conquering Spacetime.
Misprints and Errors
Mistakes happen, but they can make collectible Pokémon cards even more rare and valuable. Misprints and errors might include missing elements in a design, spelling mistakes, or even draft lettering. The rumored-to-exist-but-not-really-confirmed Prerelease Raichu is an example of the latter. Cards like this are generally identified fairly early and recalled or not even released to the public. However, some slip through or don’t get returned, making them an enigma and much more desirable to add to a collection.
Card Condition
One of the biggest determinates of the rarity and value of Pokémon cards is the condition. The better the state, the more money a card can fetch. There are a couple of central bodies that officially grade the quality of cards. This includes Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), who use a rating of one to ten, with the latter indicating a never-used, mint condition card. Beckett Grading Services (BGS) is another company, with collectors considering a rating of ten from them to be the absolute gold standard.
The Cool Factor
Finally, the last determining element in a card’s value is the “cool factor,” or how popular a character is. Charizard has long been a fan favorite, as it was one of the original three starting Pokémon in the Nintendo games. Not only is it a cool dragon, but it’s also one of only two Pokémon with two Mega Evolved forms (there other is Mewtwo). As such, it holds a fond place in many collectors’ hearts. This is why you’ll regularly see it on the list of the rarest and most expensive Pokémon cards, even when there are other designs of similar rarity and condition.
Rarest Pokémon Cards
- PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator
- 1995 Pokémon Japanese Topsun Charizard, Scarce Blue Back
- Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Hologram
- 2010 Pokémon Japanese Design Promo 4th Grade Winner Illusion’s Zoroark
- 2004 Pokémon World Championships Ken Sugimori Pokémon Cut AUTO DNA
Pokémon Trading Cards FAQs
What is the most expensive Pokémon card?
The most expensive Pokémon card is the 1998 Illustrator CoroCoro Comics Promo. It's more commonly referred to as the Pikachu Illustrator card. Logan Paul bought the card in 2022 for an eyewatering $5,275,000.
How much is the most expensive Pokémon card?
The most expensive Pokémon card costs $5,275,000. It's the 1998 Illustrator CoroCoro Comics Promo card and set a Guinness World Record.
What Pokémon cards are worth money?
There are a lot of Pokémon cards that are worth money. These include first edition cards, promo or prize cards, and special editions. One of the more common cards worth a lot is the 1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard #4.
How do you tell if a Pokémon card is rare?
Some of the best ways to tell if a Pokémon card is rare is to check the rarity symbol, edition, or if it's a promo card. If you think you might have something of significant value, you can get it certified and graded by an organization like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
Alexandra Linde is an experienced writer holding a bachelor's degree in Journalism. She is the owner of Alexandra McKiterick Creative and has expertise in travel, fashion, fitness and lifestyle. Alex has previously written for Flightcenter, Travello, and Backpacker Deals.
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