The Pokémon Trading Card Game has been around for over 20 years, releasing thousands of cards. Some of these cards are super rare and can cost a lot. Only big-time collectors can afford them.
If you’re trying to get these rare Pokémon cards, be ready to spend big bucks. For example, a set of the first 102 Pokémon cards was once valued at $5,000 to $10,000 on Antiques Roadshow.
The buzz around collecting these cards has made many fans wonder, “What are the rarest and priciest cards?” We looked around the internet to share some insights on this.
One-of-a-Kind Blastoise
Finding a unique card can skyrocket its value. The Galaxy Star Holo – Commissioned Presentation Blastoise card is a great example. Made in 1998, this card is rare because it matches the Pokémon Blue cover art style. Only four have been graded, and one sold for $360,000 in January 2021.
Rare Ishihara GX Card
To celebrate Tsunekazu Ishihara, the president of The Pokémon Company, a special card was made for his 60th birthday. Only eight exist. An autographed one sold for $247,230 in April 2021.
Gold Pikachu Card
This card, made of 24k gold, came from a 2016 lottery. It was first sold for around $2,000 but has gone for over $9,000 in recent auctions.
Pikachu Trophy
Trophy Pikachu cards are given to top players at events. The 1998 No. 1 Trainer card is ultra-rare, listed on eBay for up to $450,000.
Master’s Key Prize
Awarded in 2010, the Master Key card is very rare. Only 34 exist, selling for $21,000 to $25,000.
Family Event Kangaskhan
This rare card was for parent-child teams in a 1998 tournament. With only 11 perfect condition copies known, one sold for $150,100 in October 2020.
Lugia from Neo Genesis
This Lugia card is one of the highest-valued ones outside the Base Set, with 41 perfect condition cards known. One sold for $144,300 in May 2021.
Charizard With No Shadow
This Charizard card is famous for being “Shadowless.” Prices for it have soared, with a perfect condition card selling for $420,000 in March 2022.
Pikachu Illustrator Card
Made for a 1997 contest, the Pikachu Illustrator card is extremely rare, with about 39 given out. Logan Paul got one for $5,275,000 before showing it off at Wrestlemania. Another card sold for $900,000 in February 2022, marking the most expensive Pokémon card auction sale.
These rare finds show just how wild the world of Pokémon card collecting can be!