The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been popular for many years. They can even cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are thinking about collecting these precious cards, you should have a look at these top 20 most expensive Pokemon cards ever.
Top 20 most expensive and rarest Pokémon cards
These are the top 20 most expensive Pokemon cards. They have one thing in common: all of them are extremely rare and unique.
Illustrator Pikachu (1998) – The most expensive card ever sold
- Grade: PSA 10
- Month Sold: March 2022.
- Venue: Private Sale.
- Price: $5,275,000.
Illustrator Pikachu is the most expensive Pokemon card in this list. It was bought by Logan Paul in 2022. The YouTube star paid $5.275 million to get this card. In detail, he paid $4 million in cash and a PSA 9 Illustrator Pikachu to own this card. Since then, it has become the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
Illustrator Pikachu was introduced as a promotional card for Corocoro magazine in 1998. This magazine is quite famous for its numerous memorable Pokémon.
Charizard Topsun Blue Back (1997)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: January 2021.
- Venue: Goldin.
- Price: $493,230.
Blue Back Topsun Charizard is another card that peaked ridiculously in 2021, during the most recent Pokémon frenzy. Although this card was printed in 1997 in reality, it was mistakenly dated by PSA as 1995.
The Topsun series has a unique place in Pokémon card history because it was released very early in the franchise's history. What makes the Blue Back Topsun Charizard so special is the distinctive artwork and the printing fault associated with its date.
First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4 (1999)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: March 2022.
- Venue: PWCC.
- Price: $420,000.
The First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard is one of the most expensive Pokemon cards. This is the original Charizard Pokémon card although there are 124 PSA 10 copies and about 4,000 graded copies overall. In 2022, its copy sold for $420,000 at auction on PWCC.
After that, their value has decreased. The last time they sold on PWCC was in February 2024, for $168,000.
Trophy No.2 Pikachu, Silver 2nd Place (1998)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: September 2023.
- Venue: Goldin.
- Price: $440,000.
This card was introduced in The Japanese Lizardon (Charizard) Mega Battle Pokémon tournaments from 1997 to 1998.
There are several reasons why this card is outstanding. It was drawn by Mitsuhiro Arita. He also drew the original Base Set Charizard and is the most famous Pokémon artist. This card is considered one of the rarest Pokemon cards ever made. People suppose it has 14 copies.
These cards are nearly impossible to acquire because of their extreme rarity. Although it has a very large population compared to other trophy cards, it has become one of the priciest known Pokémon cards ever.
Commissioned Presentation Blastoise Galaxy Star Holo (1998)
- Grade: CGC 8.5.
- Month Sold: January 2021.
- Venue: Heritage Auctions.
- Price: $360,000.
Commissioned Presentation Blastoise and the MTG-backed Blastoise are frequently mistaken because they have a similar front. Besides, they use the same ridiculous typeface Comic Sans.
However, this card is more uncommon because it has a completely blank back and the same holofoil pattern as the Base Set. This card has only two copies ever printed. This makes it become one of the rarest Pokemon cards.
Commissioned Presentation Blastoise is one of the legendary Pokémon cards. It was almost lost and only appeared in a single interview. Unfortunately, this interview has been deleted.
Another Pokémon card that is identical was made for a global market, but its location is still unknown. While some of them were the result of cunning staff members saving test cards that would have otherwise been destroyed, others were meant to be public knowledge.
The "For Position Only" (FPO) cards are a prime illustration of this. Before the Expedition E-reader set was released, they were printed. Originally intended to be torn up, one WotC worker saved them.
Charizard, No Rarity Symbol, w/ Mitsuhiro Arita Signature (1996)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: April 2022.
- Venue: PWCC.
- Price: $324,000.
Mitsuhiro Arita is less famous than its English shadowless siblings. Unlike the earliest printing of the Japanese Base Set, this card lacks the rarity symbol.
Although it may seem like a minor feature, this card is highly appreciated by many collectors. Because they really appreciate the first print of any cards.
Moreover, Mitsuhiro Arita is the first printing of Charizard in the Pokémon TCG as well as the first printing of the Japanese Base Set.
Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze (1997)
- Grade: PSA 8.
- Month Sold: April 2023.
- Venue: Heritage Auctions.
- Price: $300,000.
We were able to acquire this adorable Pikachu trophy card only in the first Pokémon tournament. Only the top four winners in the June 1997 competitions in Chiba, Japan, received copies.
On April 21, 2023, a PSA 8 of this card sold for $300,000, which made it among the most valued Pokémon cards worldwide.
Snap Pikachu (1999)
- Grade: PSA Authentic.
- Month Sold: June 2023.
- Venue: Private Sale.
- Price: $270,000.
Snap Pikachu is one of the most expensive Pokemon cards. Its sales are really astounding. It proves that although Pokémon's market has developed significantly with a large number of fans and enthusiasts, there is always more to learn about Pokemon. No one had even seen this card for decades.
However, when a single copy turned up in 2023, everything changed. Dubsy is a remarkable collector. He purchased the card from a Japanese store at the price of $270,000.
Despite not being the priciest card on this list or even the most costly sale of 2023, this sale may be the most noteworthy in history.
Extra Battle Day Lillie (2019)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: August 2023.
- Venue: Xianyu.
- Price: $171,000 (1.225mm RMB).
In June 2023, a copy of PSA 10 sold for $108,000 on PWCC. But after doing some research, we discovered that in August 2023, a copy of BGS 10 sold for almost $171,000 on the Chinese auction site Xianyu. This sale doesn't have any English-language articles or other documentation.
We can only find some English references about this sale on the Elite Forum thread. Besides, there is also some information from Chinese sources.
This indicates that we may reasonably be certain that on August 3, this card did sell for $1.225mm RMB.
Umbreon Gold Star, Japanese 70,000 Points PLAY Promo (2005)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: February 2024.
- Venue: PWCC.
- Price: $180,000.
This card is one of the most valuable Pokemon cards although its price has significantly increased compared to previous comparable transactions. The previous highest confirmed sale on PWCC was only $78,000.
Interestingly, although the card is a PSA 10 copy, PWCC mentioned in the description that it does have some light whitening on the back. Even in PSA 10 condition, 2 certs may have small defects.
Although there is no hard-and-fast rule and there are always differences among graded cards, checking older certifications for whitening or other minor flaws is very crucial.
Family Event Trophy Kangaskhan (1998)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: July 2023.
- Venue: Heritage Auctions.
- Price: $175,000.
The tale of this little Kangaskhan is really decent. It was released in May 1998 and was only available in Japan during the Parent/Child Mega Battle tournament. Teams of parents and kids who reached a specific number of victories were given it.
There is also a very special set symbol on the lower right corner of the art box. It is one of the very first cards to use the original Pocket Monsters Trading Card Gamelogo as its set insignia. The cards having this insignia are usually the rarest Pokémon cards.
Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer (1999)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: September 2022.
- Venue: Heritage Auctions.
- Price: $156,000.
This card has a highly distinctive backstory as well as has very distinctive appearance. This made it become one of the most valuable Pokemon cards. It was given to seven regional Super Secret Battle competitions.
People said that there were only seven copies of this card because there were only seven winners. It's interesting to note that PSA has eight people in total for this card, six of whom are PSA 10s and the other two are PSA 9s. Most likely, someone tried to get a 10 by resubmitting their work.
Super Secret Battle is one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever made. This card was last sold to the general public by Heritage Auctions in September 2022 for $156,000.
Neo Genesis 1st Edition Lugia (2000)
- Grade: BGS 10.
- Month Sold: May 2021.
- Venue: PWCC.
- Price: $144,300.
At a PWCC audition in May 2021, this BGS 10 1st edition Neo Genesis Lugia sold for $144,300. The previous record of this card was in 2022 when a PSA 10 copy sold for $129,000. However, its price has significantly decreased. On eBay, one is currently for sale for $80,000 or the best offer.
The card is still there, so it is probably worth much less now. This card is an excellent illustration of how people can fall for the hype.
Many individuals began purchasing this card when it originally sold for over $100,000, either in an attempt to earn a perfect score or in the hopes of receiving a premium for their lower grades because of the record sale.
No.2 Trainer Toshiyuki Yamaguchi (2000)
- Grade: CGC 8.
- Month Sold: July 2023.
- Venue: Heritage Auctions.
- Price: $137,500.
The only genuinely unique card here is No. 2 Trainer Toshiyuki Yamaguchi. Toshiyuki Yamaguchi received it in 2000 after placing second in the "World Summer Challenge Secret Super Battle-Best In Japan."
The Pokémon card illustrated the trainer, which makes it so special. There have never been any pictures of this card before Heritage Auctions purchased it. On July 7, 2023, this card sold for $137,500 even though it was only a CGC 8.
Snap Magikarp (1999)
- Grade: PSA Authentic.
- Month Sold: January 2022.
- Venue: Yahoo! Auctions Japan.
- Price: $136,000.
The card sets it apart because of its rarity as well as the genesis narrative. Its origin was in a 1999 contest where many participants submitted photos shot in the Pokémon Snap game. Official Pokémon cards were created from these winning entries. And the "Snap Pikachu" was the most sought-after of these.
Its unique feature is the 3D Magikarp's candid portrait style, which sets it apart from conventional illustrated cards. In the Pokémon community, the "Snap Magikarp" is a treasured and sentimental relic because of all these occasions and figures.
This card has only appeared once and was never seen online before it was sold to Pokétuber smpratte in 2022.
Pokémon World Championships No. 2 Trainer Promo (2006)
- Grade: PSA 9.
- Month Sold: February 2021.
- Venue: PWCC.
- Price: $110,100.
This card is one of the most expensive Pokemon cards. The Pokémon World Championships was held in Anaheim, California in 2006. In this event, this card was given to finalists.
It is said that just three copies were ever distributed. And this is the only copy that PSA has ever graded. It sold for $110,100.
Test Print Blastoise Gold Border (1998)
- Grade: CGC 6.5.
- Month Sold: July 2021.
- Venue: Heritage Auctions.
- Price: $216,000.
This is regarded as one of WotC's first attempts to create Pokémon cards in English. Like the Magic: The Gathering cards, it is distinguished by its unusual typeface and back. It also features a foil front, crisp corners, and a characteristic gold border around the art box.
Because these cards were so unusual, it was challenging to verify their authenticity. CGC even used "advanced forensic technology" and a panel of experts to demonstrate that the cards were authentic.
Only five of these Test Print Blastoises have ever been graded by CGC, which makes them extremely rare. In July 2021, this card sold for $216,000 even though it was just a 6.5. Four months later, a second copy sold for the same price.
Tamamushi University Magikarp (1998)
- Grade: PSA 10.
- Month Sold: April 2022.
- Venue: PWCC.
- Price: $78,000.
Tamamushi University Magikarpmost is the next one in the top 20 most expensive Pokemon cards list. Only fans who completed the Hyper Professor Exam were eligible to get this Magikarp.
The card is very outstanding for its historical significance and the legend surrounding its distribution.
Besides, the unique "Tamamushi University" on the card makes it much more noticeable. Less than 100 copies—just 14 PSA 10 copies—have been graded by PSA.
Snap Gyarados (1999)
- Grade: CGC 9.5 (Now Gem Mint 10).
- Month Sold: July 2023.
- Venue: Heritage Auctions.
- Price: $87,500.
Originating from a special 1999 partnership between Pokémon and CoroCoro Comic, the "Snap Gyarados" card is a highly sought-after collectible that includes an in-game image from Pokémon Snap. Although each winner received 20 copies of their card, there are fewer copies in use. This makes them rare.
Shortly after it was announced that CGC would be revising its grading system, this card sold in July 2023. All current "Gem Mint 9.5" cards were elevated to CGC 10 by this modification, and they could be re-labeled with updated labels to reflect the change.
Due to this modification, even though all 9.5s were identical and in the same condition, their prices were raised because of the added perceived value of "10" rather than "9.5." Despite modest price reductions, many 9.5s are still more expensive than they were before the announcement.
People's propensity to "buy the grade" rather than the card is exemplified by this. If this card were to be sold now, its price would probably be lower than its copy in July 2023.
Shining Magikarp (2000)
- Grade: Gem Mint 9.5.
- Month Sold: 2000-2002
- Venue: BGS
- Price: $14,000.
Magikarp receives some of the most amazing uncommon cards in the TCG, even though it is a weaker Pokemon. Originally released in 2000, this card was later reissued as an unnumbered promo card in the Pokemon Fan Club.
For a BGS Gem Mint 9.5 copy of the card, we located a PWCC auction that brought in $14,000 in the end.
Criteria for determining card value
When evaluating card value, even the most expensive Pokemon cards, there are several elements to take into account, and it does differ from set to set. These factors may be significant when determining value:
- Set and expansion: Certain Pokemon expansions are just worth more than others. Older pieces are more likely to increase in value than modern sets, but an antique set isn't always valuable.
- Quality: Although this may seem apparent, the cost of a card will vary based on its quality. The value of the card might be damaged by even the smallest incision or scratch. It's significantly more difficult to find cards in perfect condition.
- Rarity symbol: The Pokemon TCG contains a variety of rarities, from Double Rares to Ultra Rares, and each is denoted by a rarity symbol. The more difficult-to-find symbols are excellent for increasing value.
- Artist and style: Collectors will naturally be more interested in full-art, colorful items created by well-known TCG artists.
Where to buy Pokémon cards online?
It is not easy to buy the most expensive Pokemon cards because they are the rarest Pokemon cards and are highly sought-after.
However, you can buy casual Pokémon cards online from a variety of trusted sources, including Tcgplayer, Japan Figure, Online Retailers, Pokémon Center Online Japan, and Auction and Marketplace Sites
Tcgplayer
You can certainly find your beloved Pokémon cards from TCGPlayer. It offers a large selection of Pokémon cards, including popular items, recent releases items, and rare items.
No matter a casual consumer or a professional collector you are, TCGPlayer is a trustworthy resource. You can compare prices, examine card quality, and peruse listings from several merchants.
Online Retailers (Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping)
You also can buy Pokémon cards online from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon Japan, Rakuten, and Yahoo Shopping. These retailers are great for finding popular and modern Pokémon TCG items.
They offer a wide range of Pokémon and many quick shipping options. However, recommend you check with the sellers if they offer international shipping. If they do not, you should use a proxy service like Japan Flow to order items from them.
Pokémon Center Online Japan
The Pokémon Center Online Japan sells Pokémon cards online. This is the official online store for Pokémon products. However, the store typically does not ship internationally, so you may need to use a proxy service like Japan Flow to purchase from it if you are outside Japan.
Auction and Marketplace Sites (Mercari, Yahoo Auctions Japan)
You can also buy Pokemon cards from auction and marketplace sites such as Mercari and Yahoo Auctions Japan.
These platforms are reliable places to find unique and rare cards, but you may need a proxy service for international shipping when purchasing from Japan. You can visit Japan Flow by clicking here to ask for help.
How to order Pokémon cards from Japan with Japan Flow
Step 1: Go to the website you want to purchase
Start by going to the Japanese marketplace. It's recommended to use Google Chrome, as it can help translate the website if you don’t know Japanese.
Step 2: Search for items
Use the search bar to look for your favorite products. You can easily find what you need by using the categories and filters. Once you find a product you’d like to buy, click on its title or image to view the details.
Step 3: Check product details
On the product page, take a moment to review the information carefully. If everything looks good, copy the URL of the product page.
Step 4: Submit your product link on Japan Flow
Next, go to Japan Flow and create a new buying request. Paste the product URL into the form. Click “Create a buy request,” and we will handle your order from that point on.
Step 5: Complete your order with Japan Flow
After you create your buy request, please wait for our approval, which may take up to two business days. You will then need to make your first payment, which covers the cost of the items and the service fee.
Once your first payment is successfully processed, we will purchase the items for you. They should arrive at our warehouse within 2-3 days. You will receive a notification when they arrive, at which point you can create a packing request.
We will calculate the packaging and shipping costs, and you will need to pay this amount. Once the payment is completed, we will package and ship your order within the next few days.
Keep in mind that delivery times may vary based on the shipping option you selected.
In conclusion, the top 20 most expensive Pokémon cards are extremely rare and sought-after because of their origins as well as their unique features. If you're finding these rarest Pokemon cards, you should verify authenticity and check card conditions. Investing carefully will help you make these rare cards become treasured pieces in your collection.