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. Its a museum-quality piece and a one-off variation, so its a must-have addition to a serious Pokémon card collection.
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
Eevee Black Star Promo
Cost: $$
It wouldnt be right to not have an Eevee card on this list.
There are heaps of Eevee cards in the Pokemon universe, and many more Eeveelution cards, such as Jolteons, Flareons, and Umbreons. But weve picked this card because its one of the originals, released soon after the Pokemon TCG first started.
This card was available through the Pokemon League, meaning you had to be a Pokemon player to get it, and the card was only available in June 2000. As a result, there arent many of them still available.
While this Eevee card isnt going to win you any Pokemon battles, its a great card to collect, especially if you like old promotional cards.
Darkrai & Cresselia Legend
Cost: $$
For a brief period during the Heart Gold & Soul Silver expansion series, Pokemon produced what they called Legend cards.
These are the only Pokemon cards ever made with the card art spread out across two cards. To play them, you have to combine two cards. By placing them side by side, you can see the complete card art and the Pokemons full stats.
Of the Legend cards made, Darkrai & Cresselia is the coolest in our opinion. Darkrai is a famous legendary Pokemon, and the card art on this particular card just looks awesome.
This card also features some other unique characteristics, which havent been seen on any other card since it was printed. For example, the attack descriptions are at an angle, rather than parallel to the bottom of the card. This is why we think it will increase in value over time.
The only thing is though, if you buy this card, youll probably want to buy both halves. You cant really buy just one!
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Are Your Pokmon Cards Holo
Holographic cards do not only look more special than regular cards, they are also usually worth more money!
The number of cards that come out of a set holographic are far fewer in supply, and what looked special to you as a child due to its simple shiny surface, now potentially has a lot of value.
You only have to look at cards like the infamous holographic Charizard.
Often a lot of attention gets drawn to this rare card and sometimes it acts as the poster child for Pokémon cards in general.
This is especially true when you see celebrities threw out wild amounts of money for it.
Example: Rapper Logic spent $183,000 USD on a mint condition first-edition shadowless holographic Charizard.That may sound like a lot of money, but a Gem Mint1st Edition Charizard has now sold for twice that amount!
The one risk that comes with holographic Pokémon cards is they may suffer from some curling.
Curling is when the side of the Pokémon card doesnt lay flat when placed on a surface. Something to do with the manufacturing process of holographic cards makes it more likely that curling will occur compared to normal cards.
This can impact the monetary value of your card, so it is a good idea to keep your holographic cards in sleeves that can help to keep your cards straight and stop them from curling.
Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Charizard: $420000
Charizard cards are generally more sought after than others, and its been this way since 1999. Thats one reason why this Base Set Charizard card from 1999 is so valuable today. At the PWCC Auction in March of 2020, the card sold for a record-breaking $420,000. However, a few months later, another card would swoop in and grab the World Record title.
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What Makes First Edition Shining Charizard So Valuable
Lets dive back into the Neo Era and into Neo Destiny one of the best sets EVER from Wizards of the Coast.
What makes this set so special is that it contains eight secret rare Shining cards. The holofoil was on the character themselves, instead of the background, which is something unique collectors hadnt seen before.
Charizard was always going to lead the pack in terms of value, and that tiny little first edition stamp adds that extra level of rarity too.
In terms of the PSA population, its certainly not as low as some of the others on this list. In fact 229 PSA 10 1st Edition Shining Charizards exist. But with a smaller holofoil area, grading is relatively easier, therefore this is to be expected.
So is it worth it? For so many reasons , YES. This is an awesome first edition, WOTC era, secret rare Charizard. It ticks so many boxes.
1999 1st Edition Shining Charizard PSA Population Report
Pokmon Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Hitmonchan #7
Back to the 1999 base set, where were looking at one of the greatest fighting Pokémon ever.
A homage to the quick fists of Jackie Chan, this humanoid monster sports a pair of boxing gloves, and even throws a jab as a basic attack.
The rarest card weve seen so far, there are just 56 gem mint copies at the current time of writing.
This has translated to sky-high prices, even when compared to many of the other holos seen above.
In any case, its definitely deserving of a place on the list.
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Most Valuable First Edition Pokemon Cards
Originally released in Japan as a video game, Pokémon later transformed into a trading card game that began hitting store shelves in the U.S. in 1999.
Today, these trading cards are some of the hottest non-sports cards in the hobby.
And with a catchphrase like Gotta Catch Em All., it’s easy to understand why.
On top of common and rare cards in the base set, there are variations such as Shadowless and First Edition Pokémon cards needed to complete an entire run.
Those First Edition cards are especially some of the rarest and some are even considered to be among the most expensive Pokémon cards in general.
And in this guide, we take a look at the 25 most valuable.
Let’s jump right in!
More…
Shaymin Ex Radiant Collection
Cost: $
Radiant Collection Pokemon cards have a very distinctive art style. Rather than making cards that were strong or powerful in battle, with this set Pokemon decided to prioritise making beautiful cards.
This Shaymin EX has a full art holographic effect unlike anything seen before on a Pokemon card. Although its hard to see from the picture, the card has holographic dots all around it, which glimmer when held in your hand.
There were 25 Radiant Collection cards made, including 6 different EX cards, including Flareon, Sylveon, and Gardevoir.
We like this Shaymin card in particular though because of the colours. Many of the other cards have a completely pink or purple design, but the design of this card incorporates a much wider variety of colours, making it look nicer in our opinion.
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Venusaur Base Set Shadowless
Once again it’s clear that Venusaur cards, though valuable, don’t hold a candle to their Blastoise and Charizard counterparts. The Shadowless Base Set version of Venusaur may go for around $600, but it only puts it Charizard’s Base Set card, which will be discussed next.
On one hand, being a Venusaur fan will save the collector money, but on the other, it’s just another example of the Grass-type starters being treated like second-class citizens despite having a loyal following of their own.
Pokemon World Championships Number 2 Trainer
Sold in February, 2021 for $110,000
From Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20, 2006, the best of the best battled at the World Championships held at the Hilton Anaheim hotel in Anaheim, California.
Contestants across three divisions competed feverishly to be one of the top 32 players from each division to advance to the finals on Sunday to crown a champion.
Those who finished in second place received this number 2 trainer card which features a fantastic image of Pikachu holding a silver cup trophy.
The official 2006 Pokemon World Championships logo rests in the bottom-right corner, adding a nice touch to an already impressive-looking card.
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Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trophy
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card value 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, only 16 of them have been given the coveted Gem Mint 10 score. One of these pristine collectibles popped up at a PWCC auction in December 2020 and ended with 51 bids for a final price of $60,000. It even came with the original plaque handed out at the finals.
As we dive deeper into this list, prepare to see more of these trophy Pokemon cards dominating the top spot. Since they were awarded at tournaments, they are intricately more scarce population-wise, and thus more valuable.
First Edition Holographic Magneton
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,750
Composed of three individual Magnemite held together by a strong magnetic force, Magneton is a dual-type electrical and steel Pokémon.
Often found near industrial areas and power plants, this mechanical creature charges itself by eating electrical currents.
Magneton is certainly one of the more unusual-looking of all Pokémon.
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First Edition Holographic Blastoise
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $5,500
A water-type Pokémon, Blastoise first appears in the Pokémon Red and Blue video games as the final evolutionary stage of Squirtle, one of the original three starter Pokémon.
Relying on twin water cannons that retract from the shell on its back, Blastoise is capable of delivering powerful blasts of water with superior accuracy.
And just as we saw Charizard’s boost in popularity stemming from its appearance on the cover art of the Pokémon Red video game, Blastoise was the center of attention on the Pokémon Blue video game:
Rightfully considered one of the coolest-looking of all Pokémon, Blastoise remains a collector favorite and this card can bring thousands of dollars in high grade.
What Makes First Edition Shadowless Base Set Raichu So Valuable
The evolution of Pikachu was always going to be a popular character. It makes me think back to that brilliant early episode where Ashs Pikachu defeats Lt. Surges Raichu. Find it on Netflix, you wont regret it!
With a PSA 10 population of 87 it makes similar reading to the First Edition Mewtwo above.
I like the character, I like the old school Ken Sugimori artwork, and this particular card has a lot of nostalgic value because of the links to Pikachu. Overall, I think it justifies its value very well.
1999 1st Edition Base Set Raichu PSA Population Report
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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.
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
Pokmon Game #15 Venusaur Holo
Average Value in PSA 10: $3,605
The original four Pokémon from the Red, Blue, Yellow and Green versions of the video game are Charmander , Squirtle , Pikachu and Bulbasaur , respectively. Each cute companion got its own version of the game. Just like Raichu, you can attribute Venusaurs popularity to its video game origins and heavy face time throughout the franchise. PSA 10 examples of Venusaurs 1st Edition Holo can grab upwards of $4k.
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Most Expensive Pokemon Cards In 2022
It should be noted that top lists are almost always up for debate. A cards value can be determined by the highest its ever sold at auction, or what it sells for on average.
A Pokemon cards value can also wildly fluctuate with the market and are largely dependent on the items grading and condition. Our list is based on what the collectible has sold for in the latest auctions, and its position will be updated if another card outsells it and makes a new record.
Reasons Not To Invest In Pokemon Cards
Theres a potential upside to investing in Pokemon cards, but as with all unique investments, the cons deserve to be heard:
- Pokemania may end soon. As with any investment, hype, and influencer marketing drive up the price of investments. So, prices may quickly deflate.
- Appraisal is difficult and expensive.If you plan to invest in a card worth $5,000+ one day in the future, youll have to pay PSA $300 just to reappraise it and if the markets hot enough to sell it, theres a chance the company will become overwhelmed again and suspend services, jeopardizing your timing.
- Cards could get lost, stolen, or damaged.Pokemon cards only hold their value if they remain in 100% pristine condition. If a PSA 10 Charizard drops to PSA 9 while its in your possession, it loses 80% of its value.
- Demand for rare collectibles is extremely fickle. Sure, demand for rare Pokemon cards may be high right now, but it could easily disappear overnight as young investors and collectors turn to something else. The same thing happened with Beanie Babies, some of which sold for $10,000 in the late 90s and are worth less than $10 now.
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First Edition Holographic Zapdos
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,400
Together with Articuno and Moltres, this electric and flying creature is one of the three Legendary birds of Kanto.
Only seen during thunderstorms, Zapdos will create lighting bolts and loud cracking sounds as it flaps its wings when airborne alerting everyone in the area to its presence.
The yellow and black spiked feathers that surround its body make Zapdos look just like the blasts of electricity it creates.
Top 10 First Edition Pokemon Cards Catch Em All
Collectors have been racing to get up to date on first edition Pokemon cards. Pokemon was a cultural phenomenon in the late 90s, and anybody growing up in that era was most likely a huge Pokemon fan.
Whether youre a fan or not, though, youll remember popular characters like Pikachu, Charizard, Squirtle, and Ash, the trainer.
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First Edition Holographic Raichu
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $2,500
Raichu, the rodent-like evolved form of Pikachu, is an electric-type Pokémon that uses its tail to gather electricity from both the ground and atmosphere.
As it charges, the creature stores the electricity in those circular, yellow sacs on its cheeks and once fully charged, Raichu’s ears will point directly upwards.
Raichu also uses its pointed tail as a ground to prevent itself from being electrically shocked.
Pokmon 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.
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
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Charizard Holo 1st Edition $20000
Image credit: Jason Koeppel // ONE37pm
This card is the pinnacle of Pokemon collecting. The 1st Edition Charizard has been setting massive records for close to a year. The rarest card in the set, Charizard is also the most graded hologram of any 1st Edition Shadowless holo. Even non-collectors know that the Charizard holo will make you the king of the playground, in any condition.
PSA Pop: 121 – 704
Current Pokemon Card Value: PSA 10 $192,000 PSA 9 $20,000
Neo Summer Battle Road Number 2 Trainer Trophy
- Release Date: 2002
- Grading: BGS 7.5
- Pokemon card value at auction: $34,100
Kicking off in Sapporo Japan, the 2002 Neo Summer Battle Road tournament saw some of the worlds best TCG players competing against each other in a series of contests across the country. Those who managed to place second place in their division received the highly coveted Number 2 Trainer trophy card.
Like all trophy cards, the population of them is incredibly low given that only a handful of participants who ranked at the top of these contests received them. Despite its scarcity, one of the 2002 Summer tournament prizes went up for auction at PWCC in March 2021.
What makes this item special, is the fact that it has the name of second-place winner Fukunishi Tomoki written on it. According to the auction house, the player took the 2nd prize in the Junior Division during the Kanto region tournament. The personalized nature of the reward truly makes it one of a kind.
Unlike other Number 2 Trainer cards, the Neo Summer Battle Road has Ken Sugimoris iconic artwork printed on the E-Series format during the 2002 era of the TCG.
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