Most Expensive Pokemon Card 2023 - Top 10 Most Valuable Cards
by Subhashree M | Updated Mar 23, 2023
Most Expensive Pokemon Card
The Pokemon Trading Card Game, also known as PTCG or Pokémon TCG, is a collectible card game that features the Pokémon franchise. The game was first published by Media Factory in Japan in October 1996, and later by Wizards of the Coast in the US. In June 2003, the publishing rights were transferred to The Pokémon Company. The game has sold over 43.2 billion cards worldwide as of March 2022. Each Pokémon card features a name, elemental type, attacks and/or abilities, and HP. Basic Pokémon can be played directly onto the Bench, with up to six Pokémon allowed in play at a time. Pokémon cards can be purchased in various formats, including pre-constructed decks, booster packs, and individual packs, through stores and e-commerce websites. However, buyers need to be cautious of fake Pokémon cards. The game has been popular worldwide, with Wizards of the Coast reporting sales of 400,000 packs in less than six weeks of its US release. It was also the top-selling toy in the strategic card game subclass in 2016 and had an 82% share of Europe's strategic card game market in 2017. The game has been described as a kinder, gentler version of Magic: The Gathering, with easier rules and graphics geared towards younger players.
Top 10 Most Expensive Pokemon Card 2023
S.No
Pokemon Card
1
Pikachu Illustrator
2
Ishihara GX Promo
3
No.1 Trainer
4
Gold Pikachu
5
Topsun Charizard
6
Magkikarp Tamamushi University promo
7
Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy
8
Holographic Lugia Neo Genesis
9
Presentation Blastoise
10
1999 Tropical Mega Battle: Tropical Wind
1. Pikachu Illustrator
The Pikachu Illustrator card was originally distributed as a prize for a 1998 illustration competition held through the Japanese magazine CoroCoro, with only 39 copies ever produced. This card stands out from all others, as it features the 'Illustrator' title and was drawn by Atsuko Nishida, the esteemed Pokémon illustrator who created Pikachu. Additionally, the card includes a unique pen icon in the bottom-right corner, likely to emphasize its artistic roots. While the exact number of remaining Pikachu Illustrator cards is unknown, ten PSA-certified copies have been graded as 'mint.' As of January 2021, this card was the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold at auction, with a PSA 9 Mint condition card selling for an incredible $233,000 / £167,600. Unfortunately, the rarity of the card means that few people have had the chance to admire Pikachu's adorable appearance holding an oversized fountain pen. The Pokemon card, graded PSA Gem Mint 10, was released in 1998 and sold for a remarkable $6,000,000 at auction.
2. Ishihara GX Promo
The Ishihara GX Promo card is a unique addition to this list, as it does not feature a Pokémon. Instead, it showcases Tsunekazu Ishihara, the president and founder of The Pokémon Company, in celebration of his 60th birthday. The card was given as a gift to employees who attended his party, making it a rare and special corporate treat. The card's ability, 'Red Chanchanko,' references the traditional Japanese garment often given to men upon reaching the age of 60. Although copies of the card have sold at auction for as much as $50,000 / £36,450, the value of a signed copy far exceeds this amount. In April 2021, an autographed Ishihara GX Promo card with a PSA 7 grading and a 9 autograph sold for a staggering $247,230 / £180,200. It's unlikely that we'll see many more of these cards in the future, as it's rumored that only a handful was ever printed, and only one signed copy has been shown to the public. The card was released in 2017.
3. No.1 Trainer
In 1999, The Pokemon Company held regional competitions in Japan, and the winners were awarded the No. 1 Trainer Pokemon card, which gave them entry into the final tournament held in a secret location. This rare promotional card, given only to the finalists of the 1999 Secret Super Battle Tournament, is said to have had only seven copies made, six of which remain in perfect PSA Gem Mint 10 condition. In 2020, one of these cards was sold at auction for $90,000 / £64,750. Featuring a holographic silhouette of Mewtwo, the card's description, as translated by Heritage Auctions, the auction house responsible for the sale reads: "The Pokémon Card Game Official Tournament's champion is recognized here, and this honor is praised. By presenting this card, you may gain preferential entry into the Secret Super Battle." The tournament, named "Super Secret Battle," was shrouded in mystery, adding to the card's mystique. The card's rarity and unique design, featuring Mewtwo's silhouette, have made it highly sought-after by fans. Its release date was in 1999, and it was graded PSA Gem Mint 10.
4. Gold Pikachu
The Gold Pikachu Pokemon card is a modern creation that was introduced in 2018 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Despite being new, it's still considered to be one of the rarest and most expensive Pokemon cards available. The card is a replica of the original Japanese Pikachu card, made of solid 24-karat gold weighing 11 grams and featuring a more chubby version of the iconic yellow mouse. To acquire the card, buyers had to enter a lottery, and the winners were allowed to purchase it for ¥216,000 / $2,000 / £1,700. Since then, its value has increased, with a sale price of nearly $8,000 / £5,750 in 2019. Although the card is not legal for tournament play, it came with a glass frame for display purposes. However, you may need to justify spending such a significant sum on a single, non-playable card to anyone who questions your financial decision.
5. Topsun Charizard
The Topsun Charizard Blue Back card, while featuring Charizard and the correct text, cannot truly be considered a Pokémon card, as it was not part of the official Pokémon TCG. It was one of several prototype cards printed by Topsun before Creatures Inc. developed the TCG we know today. This particular card is exceptionally scarce due to its blue back and lack of numbering and is rumored to have been originally distributed in gum packets in Japan in 1997, despite being printed with a 1995 trademark date. Only 31 of these cards are known to exist, making them highly sought after by collectors. In January 2021, a PSA 10-graded version of the Topsun Charizard Blue Back card sold for a staggering $493,230 at auction, demonstrating that even unofficial products can hold tremendous value in the eyes of some collectors. Release Date: 1995, Grading: PSA – Gem Mint 10, Value sold at auction: $493, 230
6. Magkikarp Tamamushi University promo
The Magikarp Tamamushi University promo card, awarded to winners of the 1998 Tamamushi University Hyper Test Campaign, makes up for Magikarp's otherwise lackluster presence in the Pokémon games. This particular Magikarp card comes with the Dragon Rage special move, which is typically only learned by Gyrados after evolving from Magikarp, making it more useful than the usual Splash move. The number of cards produced is unclear, with early promotional materials stating that 1,000 copies were made, but the actual number that made it into the public's hands remains a mystery. This air of mystery only increases the card's allure. In February 2021, a Magikarp Tamamushi University card was sold on eBay for a staggering $66,100 / £48,160, demonstrating the high-value collectors' place on this rare card.
7. Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy
In 1998, a special Pokémon TCG battle tournament was held where parents and children made up each team. The Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy card was given as a reward to those teams that reached a certain level on the ladder. This card was never printed outside of the tournament and features the original Pocket Monsters Trading Card Game logo, making it a rarity. In October 2020, a PSA 10 ‘gem mint’ copy of the card was sold on eBay for a whopping $150,100 / £109,350, making it one of the most expensive Pokémon cards to sell in recent years. It's no wonder collectors value this card so highly.
8. Holographic Lugia Neo Genesis
The Holographic Lugia Neo Genesis card is a highly sought-after Pokémon card that was first released in 2000 as part of the Neo Genesis expansion set. The card features the legendary Pokémon Lugia in a holographic design that makes it particularly appealing to collectors. The Neo Genesis set was the first set to introduce the concept of shiny Pokémon, making it an important part of Pokémon TCG history.
The card's value varies depending on its condition and rarity, with some versions selling for several thousand dollars. In 2021, a PSA 10-graded Holographic Lugia Neo Genesis card sold at auction for $128,000. Despite being over 20 years old, the card remains a popular and valuable addition to any serious Pokémon TCG collection.
9. Presentation Blastoise
In January 2021, Presentation Blastoise became the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold at an auction, with a whopping price tag of $360,000 / £260,000. While Blastoise may not have the same level of fan following as Charizard or other popular Pokémon, the Presentation Blastoise is a unique card with a significant role in the history of the trading card game. Produced by Wizard's of the Coast as a demonstration piece to convince Nintendo to produce an English version of the already successful Japanese TCG, the prototype card has different fonts, a missing water energy symbol, and misspellings. Despite these flaws, it played a crucial role in the game's international success. Only two Presentation Blastoise cards were made, and the whereabouts of the other card remain a mystery, with some auctioneers even questioning its existence.
10. 1999 Tropical Mega Battle: Tropical Wind
The 1999 Tropical Mega Battle was an event held in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the most elite players of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Participants had to win a regional tournament to earn an invitation, making it a very exclusive affair. Attendees were rewarded with a bevy of exclusive cards, including the coveted Tropical Wind card. This card features the artwork of Pikachu and a surfing Pikachu on a tropical beach, with the event's logo in the bottom right corner. Only 12 Tropical Wind cards were ever made, making it an incredibly rare and sought-after addition to any collector's arsenal. In October 2021, a PSA 9 graded copy of the Tropical Wind card sold for $102,000 / £74,000 at auction, solidifying its status as one of the most expensive Pokémon cards in existence.
What is the Most Expensive Pokemon Card?
One of the most sought-after Pokemon cards among fans is the Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer card, which features a silhouette of Mewtwo. Its rarity has only increased its appeal. In July 2020, this Japanese promo card was sold for an astounding $90,000, making it one of the most valuable Pokemon cards ever to exist. In 1999, The Pokemon Company held regional competitions in Japan, and the winners were awarded the No. 1 Trainer Pokemon card, which gave them entry into the final tournament held in a secret location. This rare promotional card, given only to the finalists of the 1999 Secret Super Battle Tournament, is said to have had only seven copies made, six of which remain in perfect PSA Gem Mint 10 condition
The second Most Expensive Pokemon Card of All Time?
The Topsun Charizard Blue Back is the second most expensive Pokemon card ever sold at auction. While the official Pokemon Trading Card Game was launched in 1996, Topsun also produced a set of cards featuring Pokemon. Although these cards were not officially part of the TCG, collectors have debated whether they should be included. The Charizard on this card is not only rare but also extremely scarce because it has a blue back and is unnumbered. Originally, the collectibles were packaged with gum and sold in Japan. To complicate matters, the product was reportedly manufactured in 1995 but not sold until 1997. In January 2021, a PSA 10 version of this card was sold at Goldin Auctions for a staggering $493,230.
What makes Pokemon Cards valuable?
In recent years, Pokemon card collecting has seen a resurgence in mainstream popularity, thanks in part to online personalities like Logan Paul. Believe it or not, some Pokemon cards have even sold for millions of dollars. But what makes these cards so valuable? Ultimately, it all boils down to rarity and condition. These two factors are paramount in determining how much collectors are willing to pay and why some cards fetch mind-boggling sums. Below, we've compiled a list of the 24 most expensive Pokemon TCG cards ever sold at auction as of February 2023.
Most Expensive Pokemon Card 2023-FAQ
The most expensive Pokemon card ever sold is the Pikachu Illustrator card, which was sold for $233,000 in 2019.
Several factors can make a Pokemon card valuable, including its rarity, condition, popularity, and historical significance.
The No. 1 Trainer card is significant because it was given out as a prize to winners of the 1999 Super Secret Battle tournament in Japan, making it a rare and highly coveted card among collectors.