Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy Holographic
This family-oriented Pokemon card is quite a prize even moreso to a dedicated collector.
The general rule of thumb for collectibles is that many of the rarest and most sought-after usually are distributed at one-time events, and this special Kangaskhan card is no exception. This card was given to teams of parents and children at the Parent/Child Mega Battle Tournament in Japan. Teams that achieved a set number of victories were awarded this card for their effortsand although 46 graded copies of this card exist, a Gem Mint 10 was not sold at auction until the summer of 2020, when one sold on eBay for over $150,000. This card is simple in nature without printing errors, but it stands as one of the rarest and most valuable. Plus, its truly a gorgeous card. And worth its weight for any serious collector.
Pokmon Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Gyarados #6
This spot on the list could easily have been taken by the likes of Zapdos or Poliwrath, who are a duo of holo cards from the original set of 102 that just missed out.
The base Gyarados gets the nod instead, as one of the most powerful evolutions from the original trading card game.
Evolved from the otherwise useless Magikarp, the blue foil surrounding the Pokémon gives a nice water effect.
As of now, there are 86 gem mint copies on the PSA registry, so its not especially rare even when looking at pristine copies.
What Are My Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Cards Worth
If you own any of the cards listed below, condition is the biggest factor in figuring out your Pokemon card value. The prices below illustrate what these cards are worth after grading in mint condition as PSA 9’s & 10’s.
Important to note: It is very unlikely that your cards will grade this high if they have been played with. If you have these cards laying around in less than mint condition, it still may be worth getting them graded as long as they are in pretty good shape.
Read Also: How To Get Squirtle In Pokemon Sword
Find The Set The Card Belongs To
If there is no logo on the right side, its Base. Every other set has an indicator.
When looking into what set a card belongs to, make sure to see if there is any logo on the right side, just underneath and to the right of the illustration. If there is no symbol, the likelihood is that its a Base set card.
There have been error cards that do not have a symbol, so make sure the year matches with the set.
Psa 9 Recently Sold For $6767
Topsun cards were among the first sets of Pokémon cards ever released, after base set in 1996. Topsun cards are extremely aged and valuable, with several printing errors made throughout the series that increased value.
Pikachu is well-known as one of the cutest electric type Pokémon, so it’s no surprise that the versions of the Pikachu Topsun card with print errors are so valuable. Some versions of the Pikachu card have no number on the card, a rare print error that increases the value with only 22 PSA 9’s and 16 PSA 10’s known in existence.
You May Like: Does Cp Matter In Pokemon Go
The Most Valuable Pokmon Cards In Existence
In 2021, the Pokémon franchise celebrated its 25th anniversary byreleasing special Pokémon trading card game setssome of which paralleled the most memorable and interesting cards in the series, including the tournament-illegal Birthday Pikachu. However, many of these cards are not actually the rarest, most valuable, or sought-after in the world of the Pokémon TCG.
Here are 10 of the most noteworthy and highly valuable Pokémon cards in existence.
Summer Battle Road 2002
It’s not too often that a card graded below a 9 sells for more than a few thousand dollars, but that’s exactly what happened with one copy of the No.2 Trainer Battle Road Summer promo in March of 2021. The card in question, which had actually been mislabeled by Beckett, received just a 7.5 rating, though still sold for an impressive $34,100.
The card was given out to winners of the Kanto Summer Battle Road tournament in 2002 and came in male and female variants. Not many of them have made their way west in the two decades since then, with only two of them ever being graded by the PSA. One did receive the elusive GEM-MT 10 rating, however, so may well end up selling for considerably more if it ever goes to auction.
You May Like: How To Get Other Eevee Evolutions In Pokemon Go
Are 23k Gold Plated Pokmon Cards Worth Collecting
If you love Pokémon, they are worth collecting because they are rare. Youll have eternal bragging rights!
As for antiques investors, Pokémon cards are currently going through a craze of popularity. After the release of the Pokémon Go app, more and more kids are getting back into the world of Pokémon.
However, that doesnt mean that the cards will be valuable forever. In 100 years time, Pokémon may be dead in the water if there is no one interested in buying the cards, you wont get a good price for them.
Right now, with a surge in interest, you are more likely to get a high price for your gold Pokémon cards. Whether theyre worth holding onto well, thats a gamble you will need to decide if youll take.
First Edition Holographic Alakazam
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $2,800
With its psychic powers that stem from its extremely powerful brain, Alakazam can bring massive headaches to those unfortunate enough to be nearby.
The evolution from Abra to Kadabra to its final form of Alakazam is one of the more fun name transitions of the series while this card itself is one of the more fun to own.
Recommended Reading: How To Make Pokemon Follow You In Pokemon Sword
Other Rare Pokmon Cards To Look For
Besides gold card, there are other Pokémon cards that are valuable. If you are a collector or want to sell some of your Pokémon cards for cash, look for these particular card types:
- Shiny an alternate color of a standard Pokémon. These sell for $300 on average.
- Full Art the entire card is covered with artwork. Prices vary widely from $5 to tens of thousands.
- Alternative Art typically valued between $100 and $500, these cards are super rare and feature alternative art to the standard card.
- The Pokémon Company special releases ranging from free promo cards to tournament rewards and anniversary releases. These can range from very common to extremely rare or even one-of-a-kind.
Recently Sold For $20250
The Neo Pokémon TCG sets are often considered some of the best sets ever from the Wizards of the Coast era. Within this set are eight secret rare ‘Shining’ cards, which had art of Pokémon in their shiny color palettes, with the holofoil on the Pokémon itself.
Charizard is a fan favorite Pokémon in general, and widely considered one of the best Fire-types by fans. It comes as no surprise that Charizard cards were immediately a hit with collectors, and that has only continued to grow over the years.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Most Powerful Pokemon Card
Super Secret Battle No 1 Trainer Card
This super rare Pokémon card was given to finalists at the Secret Super Battle Tournament held at, you guessed it, a super-secret location in Tokyo in 1999. Only seven of these cards were ever made, and only one has ever gone up for sale .
This card is a holy relic in the TCG community, featuring a unique illustration of the series resident badass Mewtwo and the original Pocket Monsters Trading Card Game logo.
Aw, look how happy he looks with his trophy!
Pokmon Japanese Promo Summer Battle Road Miracle Diamond
Theres 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.
Grade: PSA 10 Gem Mint
Also Check: How Many Pokemon Are There In Total
First Edition Holographic Chansey
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,500
Chansey is a pink, normal-type Pokémon that, despite its short legs, is a fast runner and extremely difficult to catch making it one of the more elusive creatures on this list.
Using the egg held in its pouch, Chansey will often complete its signature move known as “Soft-Boiled” to help heal both people and other Pokémon.
Its gentle nature and kind heart are said to bring happiness to those who catch it while bringing lots of money to those who own this card.
Pokemon First Edition Hitmonchan
Sold in November, 2020 for $23,100
Packing tremendous punching power, the fighting-type Hitmonchan is another collector favorite who can strike with extreme quickness and precision.
Ken Sugimori delivered an excellent design for this card as Hitmonchan’s boxing gloves, shoulder pads, and five protrusions on the top of its head create an aura of a Pokemon that you don’t want to face.
Hitmonchan cards were some of the most commonly used cards in competitive play, making them tough to find in top condition.
Read Also: How To Check Value Of Pokemon Cards
Psa 10 Recently Sold For $5275000
Many serious collectors are well aware of the worth of this particular Pikachu card, featuring an adorable piece of artwork created by Pikachu’s original illustrator, Atsuko Nishida.
The 1998 Japanese Illustrator Pikachu was awarded as a prize to an illustration contest held by CoroCoro Comic, with only 39 copies printed, and 24 of those copies being graded by PSA. Most recently, the Pokémon community was left in shock in April 2022, when influencer Logan Paul wore the only known PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card at Wrestlemania 38, having purchased it through private sale for an astounding amount of $5,275,000.
Pokmon Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Mewtwo #10
One of the best hits from the original set, and the main antagonist from the first Pokémon movie, Mewtwo is a man-made Pokémon that was created from the DNA of Mew.
Psychic cards were also fairly rare at the time, while Mewtwo is considered to be a legendary Pokémon-type. The holofoil looks like rays of power emanating from the genetic anomaly.
This time, the number of gem mint copies that appear on the PSA registry is 81. Its a tiny bit rarer and more expensive than any of the cards discussed above. That makes sense due to the sheer popularity.
Don’t Miss: How To Appraise Pokemon In Pokemon Go
Pokemon Japanese Promo Wonder Platinum Trophy Card
Sold in November, 2020 for $25,100
Held at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo on May 4, 2009, the final round of the 2009 Japan World Championship pitted finalists against each other in fierce competition.
Each of the twenty finalists across three different age divisions received one of these Wonder Platinum cards, so one can assume that only twenty of these cards made their way into collectors’ hands.
How many still exist today is unknown, but finding one graded in a BGS 9.5 holder is incredibly rare.
What is known is that this trainer card is one of the most highly coveted DPt-P promotional cards, and its imagery makes for an incredibly well-designed card.
First Edition Holographic Ninetales
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,000
It’s easy to see where Ninetales gets its name although the spelling of “tails” is noticeably different.
And while each of its golden-white tails is catching to the eye, it is said that simply grabbing one of them can result in a 1,000-year curse giving this fox-like Pokémon its reputation of extreme vengeance.
Inspired by the kitsune of Japanese folklore, Ninetales holds mysterious powers within its nine tails and can even control the mind with its piercing, red eyes.
Recommended Reading: How Many Species Of Pokemon Are There
Pokemon French First Edition Dracaufeu
Sold in February, 2021 for $37,300
The First Edition Dracaufeu, or the French name for Charizard, is also relatively easier to find in PSA 10 condition than the English version.
Though only 28 examples have achieved that grade, PSA has only graded 382 overall, meaning that roughly 7% of them are PSA 10s.
Pokemon Japanese Champion’s League
Sold in April, 2021 for $30,000
Beginning in 2000, Champion’s League and Battle Roads tournaments offered contestants throughout Japan the opportunity to battle it out amongst the best of the best.
In 2000 and 2001, there were two Champion’s League tournaments, one in the Spring and another in the Summer.
From 2002 to 2006, however, there was a reduction to just one Champion’s League tournament per year.
And before the 2005 tournament held in Tokyo, no trainers received any kind of promotional card.
However, the top four ranking players in each age division of the 2005 tournament received this promotional stadium card, making it the first Champion’s League promo stadium card.
Don’t Miss: Which Pokemon Evolve With Sinnoh Stone
Th Anniversary 24k Gold Ginza Tanaka Japanese Pikachu Card
Sold in November, 2020 for $28,100
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the storied franchise, the Pokemon Company partnered with Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka to produce this stunning card made from 11g of 24k gold.
Technically not a playing card, the imagery features none other than one of the most lovable Pokémon of them all: Pikachu.
Available for order for just twenty days, the cards were housed in impressive acrylic stands and shipped in beautiful boxes.
Given that 11g of 24k gold is worth around $600 or so by today’s standards, there’s no risk of anyone buying one of these to try and turn around and melt it.
Psa 10 Southern Islands Reverse Holo Mew: $5950
When the second Pokemon movie was released in Japan, the makers of the Trading Card Game decided to release a special edition set of cards to mark this occasion. The Southern Islands card series was born, featuring just two sets of nine cards apiece that were unique to any other set in the game.
Full sets of these cards can sell for a lot , but the absolute highest value is undoubtedly the Southern Islands Mew, which has a rare reverse foil treatment where the frame around the art is the only part thatâs shiny. In 2020, PWCC Auctions sold a copy of it for $4,155, and more recent auctions push it up as high as almost $6000. There have only ever been 19 copies given the PSA 10 grade, though other conditions are slightly more common.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Trade In Pokemon Go
Most Expensive Pokmon Cards
Collecting Pokémon can extend far beyond keeping a binder full of cards you played with as a kid. The collectors 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!
Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Holographic Charizard
Despite being released in 2006, this shiny black Charizard has become an incredibly valuable Pokémon card. According to PSA, only 59 of these cards have been graded a perfect 10, and these mint condition copies have regularly sold for between $20,000 and $30,000 at auction.
This cards highest recorded sale to date took place on eBay for upwards of $60,000 in 2020. Impressively, this Delta Species Charizard competes in value for some of the rarest first edition Pokémon cards.
This chonky boy is worth some serious green.
Read Also: How To Transfer From Pokemon Home To Shield
Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle No 2 Trainer
Trophy cards from Pokemons heyday are always very desirable, but this card takes things to a whole new level!
Backstory
The 1999 Mega Battle Tourament was a big deal in Japan, with the winners from each player level invited to the finals in Hawaii.
Only the best of the best TCG players from each region were awarded this beautiful Exeggutor trophy card, a design quite fitting to the location might I add!
Makes me want to crack out my Southern Islands set come to think of it!
Anyway, what we have here is the No. 2 Trainer trophy card, a timeless collectors item, where in fact only 6 graded copies exist.
Japanese Super Secret Battle Number One Trainer
Sold in July, 2020 for $90,000
With just seven examples of this card graded by PSA, the 1999 Pokemon Super Secret Battle “No. 1 Trainer” promo card is one of the rarest Pokemon cards in existence.
Held between July and August 1999, the regional Super Secret Battle events gave school kids ranging from third graders to eleventh graders the opportunity to compete for a chance to be crowned champion.
Upon winning, the champion of each regional tournament would receive this item card as a prize.
Designed by Hideki Kazam, the card features a holographic image of Mewtwo on the left and a Pokeball on the right that make it instantly recognizable.
Across the bottom, the card reads The Pokémon Card Game Official Tournaments champion is recognized here, and this honor is praised. This proves that the person who possesses this card participated in the Secret Super Battle Best in Japan Deciding Match.
Read Also: How Many Pokemon In Gen 2
