Rare Pokémon cards: 13 most expensive TCG cards revealed
Do you have any in your loft?
Chasing nostalgia is an expensive ride if Pokémon cards are anything to go on. These collectable trading cards are going for ridiculous prices these days, with some even fetching several million dollars on the market.
Yes, you read that right. Million.
Rare Pokémon cards can earn you some big, big bucks but you need to know how to tell which of your collection is valuable. Fortunately, we're here to help you discover whether you're sitting on a goldmine or not.
Keep reading to find out how to identify rare Pokémon cards that could earn you a fortune and to see a list of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever.
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How to identify rare Pokémon cards that could be expensive
The world of art and antiques is mind boggling, because the worth of an item often seems random. It's like collectors have secret meetings and decide which items are coveted and which are worthless.
However, the one biggest factors with items like Pokémon cards has always been rarity. If there isn't a lot of something about anymore, people will pay a lot of money to have it. Human nature, we suppose. On top of this, of course, is the condition of the item.
If you're unsure if any of your cards are of value, you can use this nifty tool at CardMavin to check!
The 13 most expensive rare Pokémon cards revealed
And now for the big boys! It's unlikely you have any of these but if you do, you're sitting on a gold mine.
13 - Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trophy
Given to the top three players in Japanese Battle Road Summer events, in 2003 and 2004, this adorable Mew card is worth up to $60,000 if you find the right buyer (and it's in good nick).
12 - 2006 EX Dragon Frontiers gold star Charizard
Selling at up to $60,066, this funky Charizard card looks pretty cool as well as being super rare.
11 - 1999 Pokémon Japanese 64 Mario Stadium Best Photo Contest Chansey
Released to promote Pokémon Snap on the Nintendo 64, there are only fifteen of these in existence. If you're a lucky owner of one, it could go for $63,000.
10 - Umbreon Gold Star Holo
It's nice to see a newer Pokémon, from generation later than Blue and Red. This Umbreon card from 2005 will could get you $70,000.
9 - No. 1 Trainer Super Secret Battle
Not a Pokémon, but an official card. It was awarded to finalists at a Japanese competition, and it allowed them entry to the final (at a secret location). Pretty cool, and it's now worth $90,000.
8 - 1998 Trophy Pikachu Gold
Another one printed specially for winners of a tournament in Japan. It's worth $128,900.
7 - Lugia 1st Edition Neo Genesis
It's only fitting that a rare Pokémon is on such a rare card. The Lugia 1st Edition Neo Genesis sells at $144,300 in pristine condition.
6 - Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy
Another one printed only for a special Japanese event, there are only eleven of these in existence. It's worth $150,000.
5 - Ishihara GX Promo
This funny looking card features an illustration of Tsunekazu Ishihara, the president of The Pokémon Company. There are seven in existence, and a signed copy is worth $247, 230.
4 - Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze
This Pikachu card from 1997 is worth $300,000, and it's extremely rare - handed out to finalists at the very first Pokémon card tournament.
3 - Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star holo
We we chuffed with our first Blastoise card back in the day, but ours certainly won't be worth this much. Only two of this one are known to exist, and one sold for $360,000 back in 2001.
2 - Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set
Another of the original three big boys, Charizard was a much coveted card on the playground. Especially if he was shiny. But it's unlikely any of our mates had this one. It sold for $420,000 last year.
1 - Pikachu-Holo Illustrator
Nice to see our familiar yellow friend taking the top spot! And by a large margin, too. The Pikachu-Holo Illustrator card was a prize at an art competition back in the 90s, and it's sold for over six million. Six. Million.
And that's the top thirteen cards. We doubt you have any of these, but it's always worth checking on the database we shared above to your collection's worth!
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Authors
Ben Huxley is a freelance contributor to Radio Times, with bylines also in TechRadar, WhatCulture, GAMINGbible, and Live Science. A writer of fiction, too, he has a few short stories published and a novel on the way. He has a BA in English Literature, and an MA in creative writing.
