Most Expensive Pokémon Cards Worth Money

Pokémon cards have captivated collectors and fans for decades, becoming more than just a game but a cultural phenomenon. In this blog post, we dive into the fascinating world of Pokémon card collecting, highlighting the top 10 Pokemon cards worth money and how you can spot these valuable gems.

Pokémon Cards Value

In 1995, the Pokémon Trading Card Game launched in Japan, inspired by Richard Garfield's Magic: The Gathering. Over 25 years later, Pokémon cards are still thriving. As of March 2023, Pokémon has sold 52.9 billion cards across 89 countries and regions in 14 languages. In the 2022/2023 fiscal year alone, The Pokémon Company sold 9.1 billion cards — over 18% of its lifetime sales total.

With such enduring popularity, the secondary market for rare Pokémon cards has exploded, driven by high-profile sales and trades from celebrities and influencers like Logan Paul. These events can skyrocket the perceived value of certain cards, making the hobby even more exciting for collectors.

To help you navigate this vibrant market, we’ve identified the 11 most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold, auctioned, or traded. So, the next time you’re rummaging through a garage sale or decluttering your attic, keep an eye out for valuable Pokémon cards. While the odds are slim, you never know what treasure you might find.

Additionally, explore the best Pokémon card packs to buy right now that fit your budget, and discover top trading card storage ideas and Pokémon binders to keep your collection safe and organized.

No. 2 Trainer, Pokémon (2000) Japanese Super Secret Battle

Approximate worth: $137,500

This card's value is owed to its rarity — there is only one of it in existence. Nintendo customized this card for Toshiyuki Yamaguchi, who came in second place in Japan’s Secret Super Battle Best tournament held in August 2000. It sold through Heritage Auctions in July 2023 for $137,500.

Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holographic Lugia

Approximate worth: $144,300

One of the trading card game's first major expansions, Neo Genesis incorporated second-generation Pokémon for the first time. Production issues in 2000 made grading this set more difficult than average, and this first edition holographic Lugia is one of only three to receive a BGS Pristine rating, which essentially means it's a perfect specimen—centered, glossy, and sharp-cornered, with bright, original colors. It sold for $144,300 in May 2021.

Kangaskhan – Holo Family Event Trophy

Approximate worth: $175,000

Like Snap Magikarp and No. 2 Trainer before it, this card was never available at retail. In 1998, there was a Japanese tournament called Kangaskhan Family Event, which pitted parent/child teams against one another. If you won a high number of games, you received this card as a thematic prize, which depicts a Kangaskhan with a baby Kangaskhan in its pouch. A Gem Mint condition card sold for $175,000 in July 2023.

Ishihara GX Promo Card (Autographed)

Approximate worth: $247,230

These cards bear the likeness of The Pokémon Company president and visionary Tsunekazu Ishihara. The company handed out a limited number of these cards to employees as part of his 60th birthday celebration in 2017. Ishihara autographed this particular Near Mint card in black ink, and it sold for $247,230 in April 2021.

Bronze Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Trophy

Approximate worth: $300,000

This is a memento of the very first Pokémon tournament ever held at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba, Japan, in June 1997. These cards were given out to four competitors who placed third during the tournament. This particular card was graded as Mint and sold for $300,000 in April 2023.

Blastoise Presentation Card

Approximate worth: $360,000

This Blastoise card has an interesting history. It was commissioned by Wizards of the Coast in mid-1998 as a "presentation" card, a template to convince Nintendo of the viability of the English-speaking market. There were only two such Blastoise cards printed; it’s unknown whether the other still exists. The known Blastoise is graded as Near Mint, and it sold in January 2021 for $360,000.

1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard

Approximate worth: $420,000

A true piece of Pokemon history, this is the 1st Edition Charizard from the 1999 Base Set. The artwork is iconic, possibly the most famous drawn image of the character with a dramatic, head-on perspective. There are very few Gem Mint Charizards from the original Base Set run — out of the 3,000 cards that exist, only 121 of them have been given the highest rating. This particular Gem Mint card sold for $420,000 in March 2022.

1998 Pikachu Silver Trophy

Approximate worth: $444,000

An artifact from the Lizardon Mega Battle, the first international tournament in Japan, this card was given out as a trophy to the second-place winner. Fourteen of these cards are speculated to exist, but only four of them are confirmed. Out of those four, this is the only one with a Gem Mint rating. It sold at a Goldin auction for $444,000 in September 2023.

1995 Pokemon Japanese Topsun Charizard, Scarce Blue Back

Approximate worth: $493,230

The 1995 designation of this card refers to the copyright; the actual card was distributed in 1997 in Japan. It’s pre-1st Edition, and it has a blue back that resembles that of a playing card. When it first went on sale in 1997, it came with a pack of apple-flavored bubble gum. Out of the 31 cards known to exist, this is the only one that’s graded Gem Mint. It sold for $493,230 at auction in January 2021.

1998 Pikachu Illustrator

Approximate worth: $5.275 million

From 1997-1998, CoroCoro held three illustration contests: Pokémon Card Game Illust Artist Contest, Mewtwo's Counterattack Commemoration Illust Artist Contest, and Pikachu's Summer Vacation Commemoration Illust Artist Contest. The winners of these contests each received a Pokémon Illustrator card. Thirty-nine of these cards were created, although only 20 of them were ever distributed.

Today, the Pikachu Illustrator is the most expensive Pokémon card sold. Most notoriously, influencer and YouTube celebrity Logan Paul bought a PSA 9 Pikachu Illustrator card for $1.275 million in June 2021. A year later, he traded that card, plus $4 million in cash, to acquire a PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator. He wore this card on a diamond-encrusted necklace in April 2022, when he entered the ring at WWE Wrestlemania 38 to fight Rey Mysterio.

FAQ

1.How Do I Know If My Pokémon Cards Are Valuable?

To determine if your Pokémon cards are valuable, consider the following factors:

• Rarity:Look for rare symbols such as stars (★) for rare cards, holofoil patterns, or special edition markings.
• Condition:Check the card’s condition. Mint or near-mint cards are worth more.
• Edition:First edition and shadowless cards from the early sets tend to be more valuable.
• Popularity:Cards featuring popular Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, or legendary Pokémon often hold higher value.
• Grading:Professional grading by companies like PSA or Beckett can increase a card's value significantly.

2.What Are the Most Valuable Pokémon Cards?

Some of the most valuable Pokémon cards include:

• Pikachu Illustrator Card
• 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard
• Trophy Pikachu Trainer Cards
• Gold Star Pokémon Cards
• Pre-release Raichu
• 1999 First Edition Holographic Cards
• Shining Charizard

3.Where Can I Sell My Pokémon Cards?

You can sell your Pokémon cards at:

• Online Marketplaces:eBay, TCGPlayer, Troll and Toad, Facebook Marketplace.
• Local Card Shops:Many local comic book or trading card shops buy Pokémon cards.
• Auction Houses:For high-value cards, consider auction houses like Heritage Auctions or PWCC.

4.How Much Is a Charizard Pokémon Card Worth?

The value of a Charizard Pokémon card varies greatly depending on its edition, rarity, and condition. For example:

• 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard:Can fetch tens of thousands to over $100,000 in mint condition.
• Base Set Charizard:Usually ranges from $50 to several thousand dollars based on condition and rarity.

5.How Can I Get My Pokémon Cards Graded?

To get your Pokémon cards graded:

1. Choose a Grading Service:PSA, Beckett (BGS), and CGC are popular options.
2. Submit Your Cards:Follow the service’s submission guidelines, fill out the required forms, and send in your cards.
3. Wait for Grading:The process can take several weeks to months.
4. Receive Your Graded Cards:Once graded, your cards will be returned with a grade that reflects their condition and authenticity.

6.Are New Pokémon Cards Worth Collecting?

Yes, new Pokémon cards can be worth collecting, especially special editions, promo cards, or those with unique artwork. Cards from popular sets like Shining Fates, Hidden Fates, and modern high-rarity cards like Rainbow Rares or Full Art Trainers can hold significant value.

7.What Is the Best Way to Store Pokémon Cards?

To maintain and potentially increase the value of your Pokémon cards, store them properly:

• Use Sleeves:Place cards in protective sleeves.
• Top Loaders:For extra protection, use top loaders or card savers.
• Binders:Use binders with clear, acid-free pages to store and display cards.
• Keep in a Cool, Dry Place:Avoid exposure to heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

8.Why Are Pokémon Cards So Expensive?

The high prices of Pokémon cards are driven by factors such as:

• Rarity and Demand:Limited print runs and high demand among collectors.
• Nostalgia:Many buyers are willing to pay a premium for cards from their childhood.
• Influencer Impact:High-profile purchases by celebrities can drive up interest and prices.
• Investment:Some view rare Pokémon cards as a viable investment, akin to stocks or art.

9.Can Common Pokémon Cards Be Valuable?

While most common Pokémon cards are not highly valuable, some can be if they are part of a rare set, in pristine condition, or have unique errors or misprints.

10.What Pokémon Cards Should I Add to My Collection?

For potential investment, look for:

• First Edition Cards:Especially from the Base Set.
• Rare Holographics:From early sets and limited editions.
• Promo Cards:Especially those given out at special events.
• Popular Pokémon:Cards featuring iconic Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, and legendary Pokémon.