Buzz
During his teenage years, Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri was so passionate about insect collecting that his peers nicknamed him “Mr. Bug.” Though the name may not have been endearing, Tajiri ultimately triumphed: His Pokémon video game, first launched for the Nintendo Game Boy in 1996, has grown into a global phenomenon, generating billions in revenue from games, merchandise, and mobile apps.
The concept of gathering and battling monsters has captivated trading card enthusiasts, spawning a thriving secondary market for the physical card game. Certain rare cards can fetch prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Explore 15 of the most sought-after Pokémon cards, but keep in mind that factors like first editions, printing errors, and unique features significantly influence their worth. While you might feel like you’re holding a winning lottery ticket, subtle details can drastically impact a card’s market value.
Pikachu Illustrator // $672,000 to $720,000
This rare promotional Pikachu card, distributed to winners of a 1998 illustration contest, is one of the earliest releases from the Pokémon series. Only 20 to 39 copies are believed to exist. In 2016, Heritage Auctions sold one for $54,970. By 2021, an eBay auction saw a winning bid of $375,000. In 2022, NFL player Blake Martinez auctioned his PSA-graded 9.5 card for $672,000. That same year, a $900,000 bid was reportedly placed but later rumored unpaid, with a second-place bidder said to have paid $720,000.
Shadowless Holo Charizard // $420,000
First introduced in 1999, this dragon-like Pokémon remains highly coveted. Over two decades later, a first-edition card graded 10 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) sold for an impressive $420,000.
Trophy Pikachu Trainer Bronze // $300,000
This card was introduced during the 1997 Pocket Monsters tournament. PSA has recorded only four copies, with the highest grade being an 8. Despite not being in mint condition, it sold for $300,000 in 2023.
Family Event Kangaskhan Trophy Card Promo // $175,000
A limited-edition promo card from a 1998 Pokémon tournament designed for parents and children fetched $175,000 at a 2023 Heritage auction, largely due to its flawless PSA grade of 10.
Toshiyuki Yamaguchi No. 2 Trainer World Summer Challenge Secret-Super Battle Best // $137,500
Considered a holy grail among Pokémon collectors, this commemorative card from a 2000 tournament made headlines in 2023 when Heritage sold it for $137,500. It’s believed to be the only one in existence, driving its value sky-high.
Master's Key Prize Card // $66,000
Distributed exclusively during a 2010 card championship in Japan, only 34 Master's Key Prize Cards are believed to exist. Their rarity makes them highly sought after, with one ungraded version sold for $22,000 in November 2019. A graded 9.5 version later sold for $66,000 in 2022.
Tropical Wind Tropical Mega Battle // $47,100
Awarded to winners of the 1999 Tropical Mega Battle Pokémon World Championship in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Tropical Wind card is exceptionally rare, with only 14 PSA 9 copies known to exist. One of these sold for $47,100 in 2021.
Espeon Gold Star // $25,100
A PSA 10 graded version of this 2007 character card is currently listed for sale by PWCC at $25,100. In contrast, a PSA 9 version sold for a much lower price of $3975.
Neo Genesis Holo Lugia // $25,000
This highly sought-after card first appeared in 2000's Pokémon The Movie and was later included in the Neo Genesis expansion pack. A flawless PSA 10 graded version sold for $25,000 on eBay.
Masaki Promo Gengar // $10,211
A mint-condition 1995 version of this card sold for $10,211, while a 1999 edition fetched $1480.
Pre-Release Raichu // $10,000
Cards never meant for public release are highly prized by collectors, and this Raichu card is no exception. According to Pokémon lore, Wizards of the Coast produced only 10 of these cards for employees, each stamped with “pre-release” on the front. In 2023, Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) graded two copies, confirming their existence. Though rarely available for purchase, experts estimate its value could reach up to $10,000.
Neo Revelation Shining Gyarados Holo // $9000
This 2001 Neo Revelation card sold for $9000 on eBay.
Neo Discovery Umbreon Holo // $6100
This 2003 card, graded PSA 10, sold for $6100 after attracting significant attention from collectors.
Giovanni's Scheme // $6000
Exclusive to Japanese releases in 2017, this card is a rare gem for collectors. A PSA 9 graded version sold for $6000 on eBay.
Blastoise Holo // $4200
A near-mint 1999 version of this iconic turtle Pokémon sold for $4200 in 2024.
