The popular Pokémon TCG has existed for more than two decades , and every year more and more new and rare cards are released. In 2022, the total value of the most expensive Pokémon cards was almost $6.9 million. But which trading card took first place: Charizard , Pikachu, or perhaps a promo card? Let's reveal the secret!
Pokémon cards have been one of the most popular card games in the world for decades. Some cards, especially older ones, now fetch six-figure prices. But which is currently the most valuable Pokémon card? Let's first look at the details.
The value of Pokémon trading cards can be attributed to several factors:
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Rarity: A crucial factor in a card's value is its rarity. Some cards are printed in limited numbers or are only available in special editions or sets. The rarer a card, the more desirable it is among collectors and the higher its value can be.
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Condition: The condition of the card plays a significant role. Cards in pristine condition, without scratches, creases, or signs of wear, are significantly more valuable. Professional grading companies like PSA and BGS assess the condition of trading cards and assign grades that can significantly influence their collectible value.
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Popularity and nostalgia: Cards of popular Pokémon, especially starter Pokémon like Charizard, Blastoise, and Pikachu, are often more valuable. The nostalgia these Pokémon evoke among adult collectors drives up prices.
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Limited Editions and Promotional Cards: Some of the most valuable cards are limited editions, available only at specific events or in special collectibles. These promotional cards are often in high demand.
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Popularity and demand: Popularity and demand for certain cards can increase their value. If a card is particularly sought after in the Pokémon community, its price can rise significantly.
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Historical significance: Some cards have historical significance, whether because they were played in significant competitions, appeared in special events, or have special cultural relevance. These cards may have higher collectible value.
In summary, the value of Pokémon trading cards is determined by a combination of rarity, condition, popularity, limited editions, and demand. Collectors value these cards not only as playable items, but also as valuable collectibles.
Well-known influencers , streamers , and YouTubers such as Logan Paul and TryMax gave the Pokémon Trading Card Game an unexpected boost in late 2020 and early 2021 amid the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Many people jumped on the bandwagon, buying dozens of booster packs in the hope of pulling the rarest and therefore most valuable card. This especially applies to older cards, which generally fetch the highest prices. International companies such as BGS (Beckett Grading Services) and PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) have taken on the task of subjecting collectibles such as Pokémon cards to a special evaluation, known as grading. Cards that receive a grade of 10 are considered flawless and perfect and are therefore extremely rare.
Here you can find a detailed explanation of grading.
Here are the ten most expensive Pokémon cards in the world:
10th place: Shining Charizard 1st Edition
This card is one of the most sought-after Shining Pokémon cards. A PSA-graded copy sold for more than $60,000.
9th place: Umbreon Gold Star Holo
Umbreon, an evolution of the Pokémon Eevee, is undoubtedly one of the most popular in the entire Pokémon franchise. Therefore, it's not surprising that Umbreon is also among the most expensive Pokémon cards. A particularly rare card is the Umbreon Gold Star Holo, rated BGS 9.5, which sold for a whopping $70,000 at auction in June 2021. It was issued in the fourth season of the Pokémon Players Club in 2005 to participants who reached 70,000 XP.
8th place: No. 1 Trainer Super Secret Battle
In fact, this card was actually issued by the Pokémon Company to the winners of a regional tournament in 1999. Its primary purpose was to give players the opportunity to participate in a secret final at a special location. The fact that the card featured the silhouette of the popular legendary Pokémon Mewtwo further increased its desirability. In July 2020, one of these extremely rare Trainer cards sold for an impressive $90,000.
7th place: Pokemon World Championships Promo No. 2 trainers
Another Trainer card that makes it into the rankings is the one issued only to the winners of the 2006 World Championship in Anaheim. This makes it extremely rare, and according to the grading company PSA, only three copies of this card exist. In February 2021, one of the World Championship promos finally sold at PWCC for an astounding $110,100 after more than 150 bids.
6th place: Lugia 1st Edition Neo Genesis
The legendary Pokémon Lugia also enjoys great popularity among fans. The first Pokémon card of this legendary water bird from the Neo Genesis set has become one of the most coveted trading cards worldwide. In 2020, a 1st Edition Lugia fetched a remarkable $129,000 at a sale. In May 2021, a Lugia card graded by BGS even sold for $144,300 at a PWCC auction. This was one of only three cards in existence to be graded with a so-called Pristine 10.
5th place: Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy
Fifth place among the most expensive Pokémon cards is occupied by the Pokémon Kangaskhan Prize Card, which was issued at a tournament in Japan in 1998. A special condition was that only children with a parent were allowed to participate in this tournament, which is unique in the history of Pokémon tournaments. In October 2020, two copies of this rare prize card were finally sold for $150,000 each, making it one of the most expensive trading cards in the world.
4th place: Ishihara GX Promo (Autographed)
Fourth place in the rankings goes to the signed version of the Ishihara GX promo card. What makes this card special is that its artwork features none other than Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO and President of the Pokémon Company. This special promo card was reportedly distributed to employees at Ishihara's birthday party in 2017. It is estimated that only 30 to 60 copies of this card exist. In April 2020, one of these extremely rare cards sold for $50,000, and in 2021, another one sold for $247,230 at a Goldin Auctions auction.
3rd place: Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star
This rare Blastoise is actually an unfinished card. In 1998, it was distributed to various toy stores as a prototype to give a first glimpse of what the final TCG (Trading Card Game) might look like. Thus, Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star Holo is considered one of the very first cards ever to exist. In January 2021, one of these rare collectibles sold at Heritage Auctions for $360,000, earning Blastoise third place on this list of the most expensive Pokémon cards.
2nd place: Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless:
The 1st Edition Charizard Unshadowed is one of the most coveted cards in the Pokémon TCG. In October 2020, rapper Logic paid an impressive $226,000 for one of these cards in pristine condition, setting a new record. However, this record was broken just two months later. On December 12, 2020, a buyer bid an astounding $350,100 for such a card at a PWCC auction, and just a few hours later, another Base Set Charizard sold for $369,000, setting new record prices for this highly sought-after Pokémon card.
1st place: Pikachu Illustrator:
This card is considered one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever and was printed in limited numbers for a drawing contest in Japan. In February 2022, the card sold for an impressive $900,000 at a Goldin Auctions auction, setting a new record for the world's most expensive Pokémon card. However, this record was surpassed in April 2022 by YouTuber Logan Paul, who purchased a Pikachu Illustrator Card for an astounding $5.275 million. This makes the Pikachu Illustrator Card the current most expensive Pokémon card in the world.
Why is this card so valuable?
The additional details further highlight why this card is so incredibly valuable and sought-after. The fact that only 39 copies of this card exist, and only one of them has a perfect PSA rating of 10, makes it one of the rarest collectibles in the world of Pokémon cards.
The story of how Logan Paul ultimately acquired the card underscores the enormous interest and passion collectors and enthusiasts have for this card. The negotiations and compromises involved in acquiring the card demonstrate how much collectors are willing to pay large sums for such a unique piece of Pokémon history.
The fact that he wore the card around his neck during a wrestling match underscores its status as a coveted collectible and symbolizes the connection between Pokémon and pop culture. It's a fascinating chapter in the world of Pokémon cards and demonstrates how much these cards capture the imagination and passion of collectors worldwide.
A little advice by the way
It's extremely important to pay attention to the authenticity of Pokémon cards and only buy from trusted retailers to avoid fraud. Grading cards can also be a good way to confirm authenticity.
Indeed, the value of a Pokémon card can extend far beyond its material value. Many collectors have a strong emotional connection to their favorite cards, whether due to the artwork, their favorite Pokémon, or childhood memories. The passion for Pokémon cards often goes beyond the purely financial aspect.
We warmly invite you to join the discussion! Collectors often have fascinating stories to tell about their most valuable and emotional Pokémon cards…
