The 8 most expensive Pokémon Cards of all time

The world of Pokemon has captivated fans for over two decades, not only with its video games and anime series, but also with its trading card game. Since its inception in 1996, the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) has produced thousands of cards depicting different Pokemon, trainers, items and energies, each with unique abilities, rarity and value. However, some of these cards stand out from the rest not only because of their power in the game, but also because of their price on the market. In this article, we will explore the most expensive Pokemon cards and why they command such a high price.

8. Tropical Mega Battle Card Set: €10,000 - €20,000

The Tropical Mega Battle Pokemon Card is a highly sought after set of cards that was given to participants in the 2001 and 2002 Tropical Mega Battle tournaments held in Hawaii. The tournament was a highly anticipated event among Pokemon TCG players, with top players from around the world competing for the top prize.

The set contains four cards: a holographic Pikachu card, a holographic Mewtwo card, a holographic Tropical Wind card and a holographic Tropical Shell card. Each card features unique artwork and abilities, making them highly prized by collectors and players alike.

The Tropical Mega Battle tournament was an invitation-only event and the set of cards was only produced in limited quantities for the tournament. This rarity has made the set highly coveted by collectors and players, increasing its value over the years. In fact, a PSA 10-graded set of the Tropical Mega Battle cards sold for more than $10,000 at auction in 2020.

The Tropical Mega Battle Pokemon Card Set is a testament to the competitive spirit and camaraderie of the Pokemon TCG community. The rarity of the set and its connection to a prestigious tournament have made it a valuable and highly sought-after collector's item. For fans and collectors of the Pokemon franchise, the Tropical Mega Battle set is a true treasure and a testament to the magic and wonder of the world of Pokemon.

7. Mewtwo 10th Anniversary: ​​€10,000 - €20,000

Mewtwo 10th Anniversary is a card created in 2006 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise. The card features a holographic illustration of Mewtwo, one of the most iconic and powerful Pokemon, with the words "10th Anniversary" and the year "2006" printed on it. The card was only available in limited quantities at special events in Japan, making it a rare and nostalgic item for Pokemon fans. The high price reflects its scarcity, as well as its status as a commemorative card for the franchise's milestone.

6. Espeon & Umbreon Gold Star POP Series 5 PSA10: €15,000 - €30,000

Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star POP Series 5 is a two-card set released in 2007 as part of the POP Series 5, a special promotional set distributed only to select retailers. The set includes a holographic Espeon card and a holographic Umbreon card, both with a gold star on their body and unique abilities in the game. The cards are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and aesthetic appeal, as well as their connection to two popular and powerful Pokemon.

5. Master's Key PSA10: €120,000 - €150,000

Master's Key, also known as "The Key to Mewtwo's Home", is a card given only to the winners of the 2010 World Championships, held in Hawaii. The card features a holographic illustration of a gold key, with the words "The Master Key" and the year "2010" printed on it. The card was given to each of the first place winners in the junior, senior and master divisions, making it a rare and prestigious award for the best players in the world. The high price reflects its rarity, as well as its connection to the competitive aspect of the Pokemon TCG.

4. Kangaskhan Parent/Child Mega Battle Card: €150,000+

Kangaskhan Parent/Child Mega Battle Card, also known as "Parent/Child Kangaskhan", is a card given to the finalists of the 1998 Parent/Child Mega Battle tournament in Japan. The tournament was a special event where parents and their children had to work together and battle other teams using a specific card game. The Kangaskhan Parent/Child Mega Battle Card features a holographic image of Kangaskhan and his baby, with the tournament logo in the background. Only 5 copies of the card were produced, making it a rare and sentimental prize for the finalists. The high price reflects its uniqueness, as well as its connection to the family aspect of the Pokemon TCG.

3. Pikachu Trophy Card: €100,000 - €250,000

Pikachu Trophy Card, also known as "Super Secret Battle", is a card given only to the top players of the 1999 Super Secret Battle tournament in Japan. The tournament was a special event where participants had to compete in various challenges and battles using a specific card game. The Pikachu Trophy Card features a holographic image of Pikachu wearing a party hat and surrounded by balloons, with the tournament logo in the background. Only a handful of copies of the card were produced, making it a rare and prestigious prize for the tournament winners. The high price reflects the exclusivity, as well as the connection to the competitive aspect of the Pokemon TCG.

2. Shadowless Charizard First Edition: €350,000+

The Shadowless Charizard First Edition Pokemon Card is one of the most valuable and sought after cards in the Pokemon Trading Card Game. It was first released in 1999 and quickly became one of the most popular cards in the set.

The card is highly prized for its rarity and unique design. It is part of the Pokemon Trading Card Game core set and was one of the original 102 cards released in North America. The Shadowless Charizard First Edition card is a holographic card featuring the iconic Fire-type Pokemon in its full glory. However, what sets it apart from other Charizard cards is the fact that it has no shadow behind the Pokemon's image, hence the name "Shadowless".

The Shadowless Charizard First Edition card is highly sought after by collectors and players alike due to its rarity and value. The card's first edition status, combined with its shadowless design, makes it even more valuable. The fact that it features one of the most beloved and powerful Pokemon in the franchise adds to its appeal.

The value of the Shadowless Charizard First Edition card may vary depending on its condition and authenticity. Cards in perfect condition, unplayed or unhandled, can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, a PSA 10-graded Shadowless Charizard First Edition card sold at auction in 2021 for a record $369,000.

The Shadowless Charizard First Edition card has become a symbol of the magic and wonder of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. It's a testament to the passion and dedication of collectors and fans of the franchise, who have helped create a market for rare and valuable cards like these. Whether for its collectible or sentimental value, the Shadowless Charizard First Edition card is a treasure for Pokemon fans and collectors everywhere.

1. Pikachu Illustrator: €1,000,000+

The Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon card is widely considered to be the rarest and most valuable Pokemon card in existence. It was created as a prize for the winners of the CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest in Japan in 1998. It is believed that only 20-39 copies of the card exist, making it an extremely rare collector's item.

The card features a unique illustration of Pikachu by artist Atsuko Nishida, the original character designer of Pikachu. The artwork shows Pikachu holding a pen and drawing a picture of another Pikachu, with the words "Illustrator Pikachu" written in Japanese characters in the upper right corner.

Due to its rarity and unique design, the Pikachu Illustrator card has become one of the most valuable and sought after cards in the Pokemon Trading Card Game. In fact, a PSA 9 copy of the card sold for a record $233,000 at auction in 2021, surpassing the previous record set by the Shadowless Charizard First Edition card.

Another copy of the Pikachu Illustrator just blew those sums out of the water, after selling for $900,000 – including a buyer's premium on top of the $750,000 winning bid – at auction on February 24, 2022. The 1998 PSA7 card is reportedly one of only two examples graded for that condition.

Despite its high value, the Pikachu Illustrator card is rarely seen on the market, and most known examples are owned by private collectors or museums. The card is considered a true treasure among Pokemon fans and collectors and is a symbol of the passion and dedication of the Pokemon community.

In recent years, the popularity of the Pokemon Trading Card Game has experienced a resurgence, with new sets and expansions being released regularly. For many fans and collectors, however, the Pikachu Illustrator card remains the ultimate prize and a testament to the magic and wonder of the world of Pokemon.

In short, the world of Pokemon cards is filled with rare and valuable treasures that capture the hearts of collectors and fans alike. These cards represent the magic and wonder of the Pokemon franchise and its long history. While their high prices may seem staggering to some, they are a testament to the love and passion people have for these beloved creatures and the world they live in.