For over two decades, pokemon cards have been the crown jewel of Trading Card Games (TCG). What started as a simple trading game for kids back in 1996, has gradually transitioned into a massive investment business for people around the globe. How massive, you ask? As massive as the stocks game. Crazy, right? In this article, we will be answering your question. What is the most expensive Pokemon card in the world?
Well till now we know that Pokemon Cards = Money, but you must be wondering what are the most expensive Pokemon cards.
Top 10 most expensive Pokemon cards in the world
Before we reveal to you the top 10 most expensive Pokemon cards in the world including the MOST expensive Pokemon Card, you first need to know the factors that affect the value of a Pokemon card. In all honesty, there are an infinite number of variables that can affect the value of a card but for the sake of argument, we have listed the top four determining factors down below.
Rarity
This is pretty self-explanatory, the rarer a thing is, the higher it is valued in the world. Why do you think diamonds are so expensive? They are highly valued because there is an incredibly small amount of them available on Earth. Similarly, the Pokemon cards produced in scarce quantities are more sought after.
Supply and Demand
The basic economic principle of supply and demand plays a significant role in card values. If a particular card becomes highly sought after by collectors but is scarce in the market, its price can rise significantly. This dynamic is seen with cards like the Pikachu Illustrator, which is not only rare but also highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
Card Conditioning
The condition of a Pokémon card is crucial. Cards are graded on a scale from poor to gem mint by grading organizations like PSA and Beckett. Cards in pristine condition with minimal or no wear, creases, or damage are more valuable than heavily played or damaged cards. While you are here, check out our guide on how to get your Pokemon Card graded.
Historical Significance
Cards that hold historical significance, such as cards used by famous players in Pokémon tournaments or cards linked to important moments in the Pokémon franchise’s history, can carry increased value. Collectors often treasure cards that hold a piece of Pokémon history, like the Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer Card, which harks back to the early days of competitive Pokémon battles.
Great, now you know the major factors that affect the value of a card. We can finally dive into the crux of the talk and uncover the highest Pokemon card by value. Here are the top 10 most expensive Pokemon cards in the world.
10) Mewtwo Gold Star EX Holon Phantoms
The Mewtwo Gold Star card’s popularity, stemming from its 2006 release during a nostalgic era for TCG collectors, its extreme rarity, the prestigious Gold Star ranking, and its visually distinct design, has made it a highly coveted and valuable collectible.
Its market value often falls in the range of $5,000 to $7,000, making it a symbol of both nostalgia and rarity in the world of Pokémon TCG collecting. As collectors continue to seek out these limited gems, the Mewtwo Gold Star card remains a testament to the enduring appeal and passion surrounding the Pokémon TCG.
9) Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star POP Series 5
Just like the Mewtwo card, the Espeon and Umbreon are other cards with a ‘Gold Star ranking’ making them highly valued. Their popularity is further enhanced because Espon and Umbreon are two of the most loved Pokemons in the franchise.
To top it all off, these cards in particular have visually striking artwork increasing their appeal among collectors. Condition permitting, these cards can be sold for up to $7000.
8) Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer Card
The value of this card is solely based on the rarity of the card. The Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer Card was exclusively distributed to participants of the 1999 Japanese Tropical Mega Battle tournament.
These tournaments were held in Japan and featured competitive Pokémon battles. The card was awarded to players who attended these events, making it incredibly scarce. The card features unique artwork and design that commemorates the Tropical Mega Battle event. It is currently valued between $10,000 and $15,000.
7) Rayquaza Gold Star
The Rayquaza is one of the most legendary Pokemon in the franchise. Being one of the strongest Pokemon ever seen, the Rayquaza has a special place in people’s hearts, and hence its card is also rated ‘Gold Star’. A mint condition card from Rayquaza can go for upwards of 20 grand.
6) Lugia 1st Edition Neo Genesis
One of the primary factors that contribute to the value of this card is its “First Edition” designation. First Edition cards were among the earliest printings of a set and are distinguished by a first edition stamp on the card. Furthermore, Lugia is a legendary Pokémon with a significant fan following.
It is known for its role in the Pokémon Silver and Pokémon SoulSilver video games and movies. PSA-graded mint copies of this card can sell for approximately $40,000 or more.
5) Shining Charizard 1st Edition Neo Destiny
The card features stunning artwork that captures the essence of Shining Charizard. Collectors are drawn to cards with captivating and aesthetically pleasing designs, and the Shining Charizard card certainly fits the bill. This coupled with the 1st edition stamp makes graded copies of the card extremely expensive.
4) Chansey First Edition Base Set
Like other cards on the list, this set comes with the First-edition stamp and has a visually striking appearance but the main factor that contributes towards its value is the fact that it is a highly playable card.
Unlike others on the list, this card has an incredibly high HP, and the Healing Wave attack it possessed made it highly effective in certain decks, further increasing its monetary value. Another factor contributing to its price point is that it represents the very start of the Pokemon TCG and this factor alone holds great value among the card collectors community.
3) Blastoise First Edition Base Set
This card is one of the most rare ever in the Pokemon family. It has officially been confirmed that only two of these cards were ever made but we have yet to see where the second one is, i.e.: only one has made a public appearance.
They were originally made as a pitch to gain rights of production for the English version of the Pokemon cards, but later found their way into the trading market. One of the cards in the set was sold for a whopping $360,000 in a recent auction.
2) Charizard First Edition Base Set
This entry might come as a surprise to many because this is by far the most widely available card on the list. It was produced in such huge amounts that even you might have had one in your collection, some time in the past.
But if it was mass-produced, why is it the second-most expensive Pokemon card in the world? Well, its value comes from the fact that it was so widely distributed and such an undervalued card that it got abused a lot, and 24 years after its first release, a pristine condition card is incredibly rare to find. However, if you are one of the very few people who possess a mint-condition Charizard card, you might just be set for life as this card can be sold for upward of $420,000.
1) Pikachu-Holo Illustrator
Well, you have finally made it to the final entry in the list. This card is by far the most expensive ever seen in the Pokemon TCG. This is the absolute peak of Pokemon cards. The Pikachu-holo illustrator card shows a cute little Pikachu doodling other Pokemon. This card was never commercially available but was actually a prize for an Arts competition back in 1998.
With only 20 in existence, this is an extremely rare card. Pikachu is one of the main characters in the franchise, further increasing the value of this card. Its price has been on the rise over the years, but the greatest promotion that it got was when the famous YouTuber – Logan Paul bought this card for a whopping $5.2 Million. To put that into perspective, this amount alone is more than double the value of all the other 9 cards on the list, COMBINED! Now that is saying something.
How to check the price of a Pokemon Card from the comfort of your home?
Even with the skyrocketing popularity of Pokemon Cards, it is not easy to follow the exact price of every Pokemon card. How much does a Pokemon card cost? we cannot answer this question as you know that prices vary from card to card but On the contrary, it is an impossible feat to track the precise cost and the rarity of these cards.
However with that being said, recently there have been major improvements in this regard and now there are many apps that can help you not only track the price of a Pokemon card accurately but also trade the digital version of the card in the app itself. The apps include TCGplayer, pokecardex, PokeTCH scanner, etc. For more information check out our detailed guide on the topic here.
Conclusion
Pokémon cards have evolved from their humble beginnings to become beloved collectors as well as successful investments. The list of the priciest Pokémon cards shows how intricately demand, condition, rarity, and historical importance interact to produce astounding prices. These cards have won over the hearts of both investors and fans, demonstrating the continuing strength of the Pokémon brand.
Even as it develops, the Pokémon Trading Card Game is still a vital and essential component of the overall Pokémon world. Its sustained appeal is ensured by the addition of new gaming mechanisms, gorgeous visuals, and creative card designs with each new version. The trip is just as important as the destination, regardless of whether you are an experienced collector or a beginner in the world of Pokémon cards.
