The Most Expensive Pokemon Cards Ever Sold

30. No Rarity Poliwrath ($25,015)

Image source: PSA-graded

On the face of it, this is not such a rare card in itself but, having said that, a Japanese copy of the base set Poliwrath sold for over $25,000 at auction just under three years ago, at least $5,000 dollars more than originally anticipated. There had been a bidding war between two interested parties and the reason for this crazy price tag was that the card was one of only three GEM-MT 10 copies that contained a printing error, early on in the production.  Just shows that mistakes can be costly!

29. Wonder Platinum Trophy ($25,100)

Image source: MercatoMax

The Wonder Platinum trophy card is a much respected Pokemon card and was only ever handed out to the top competitors at the Japanese National Championship back in 2009. Its artwork featured a Giratina with a platinum pendant and the card was treasured by its recipients.  That is except for one individual who found out that, out of the 36 in existence, there were only 8 of the cards that had been graded by the PSA and 6 receiving a perfect rating.   That would explain the $25,100 that a collector shelled out.

28. Charizard Gold Star Holo Dragon Frontiers ($25,405)

Image source: CardSpace

Prepare yourself to view a good many Gold Stars in our list as they are prevalent in the Pokemon world.  Here we have Charizard from 2004’s Dragon Frontiers.  As the card features artwork depicting a Shiny Charizard, it should not come as any surprise that it was going to be a massive hit with fans!  The very rare variant of the Kanto Pokemon looks simply stunning with scorching fire surrounding it.  It certainly impressed one investor who thought it was well worth the $25,405 bid and it left the previous owner more than happy.

27. World Championship Master's Key ($26,900)

Image source: DiceBreaker

A rare copy of the Master's Key card was purchased for just under $27,000 ($26,900) in August 2020. Unlike most cards sold at auction, this one was not graded by the PSA but was instead appraised by Beckett and this was enough to get prospective buyers excited.  It's not clear whether or not a copy that was still sealed in the original trophy case would have raised more and furthermore, surprising that the seller chose to open it up, given the card's value. Would you ever pay this much for a Pokèmon card? Honestly, I don't think I ever could!

26. Skyridge Charizard ($28,100)

Image source: Reddit

There's a tongue in cheek saying that nothing can be certain in this world apart from death and taxes!  However, there is a strong argument that can be made that the value of Charizard cards keep skyrocketing and they more than deserve a place in our list.  The Skyridge variant is one of the many cards that have sold for ridiculous amounts.  One Skyridge Charizard brought lots of excitement to the auction house when it went for a whopping $28,100 in November 2020.  The buyer was determined to obtain the card to add to his already vast collection.

25. Summer Battle Road 2007 - Miracle Diamond ($32,000)

Image source: Pokumon

You may have thought that there would be  lots of copies of Miracle Diamond dotted around the globe, bearing in mind the card was handed out to the top three competitors in each age category during Japan's 2007 Battle Road Summer as well as 2008 Battle Road Spring tournaments.  That is not the case though as the actual number is around 90.  In late 2021 one of these beauties sold at auction for a very impressive $32,000.  The estimate was $25,000 so the seller was slightly shocked but extremely pleased with the outcome.

24. Summer Battle Road 2002 - No. 2 Trainer ($34,100)

Image source: PSA-graded

It isn't too often that a card that is graded below a 9 sells for more than a few thousand dollars but this is exactly what did happen with one copy of the No.2 Trainer Battle Road Summer promo, in March 2021.  The card we are talking about, which had incidentally been mis-labelled by Beckett, received a 7.5 rating.  It far outshone it's potential value and sold for a very impressive $34,100. This actual sale led owners of other rare Pokemon cards re-evaluate their investments, a bit extreme, don't you think?

23. Master's Scroll ($35,200)

Image source: Vintage Card Prices

If you ever wanted to try and obtain a Master's scroll card, you would never find one in a Pokemon pack or in any country in the world except Japan.  The only way you could possibly obtain this jewel in the crown would have been through the Pokemon Daisuki Club in 2010.  So that would explain it's possible worth  when it went up for auction in early 2021.  After a short pause when the bidding got to $28,000, two new interested parties upped the ante and the lucky winner had to pay a mammoth $35,200 to call the card their own!

22. 1st Edition Shadowless Blastoise ($45,100)

Image source: Mavin

It might not be up there as being as popular as, say, Charizard, but Blastoise is definitely not a card to be sniffed at when we are discussing the value of this Pokemon card.  Much like antiques and paintings by famous artists, the item has to be in mint condition if it is to achieve big bucks.  Last November Blastoise came up for sale and due to it being a near perfect specimen, it sold on an eBay auction for $45,100.  Bearing in mind the seller had purchased it over ten years previously for only a few thousand dollars, it turned out to be a great deal for them.

21. EX Team Rocket Returns Gold Star Torchic ($50,000)

Image source: PSA-graded

Gold Star cards were always highly sought after, both for their aesthetic appearance and more importantly their rarity.  They were. as you will know, introduced to commemorate particular legendary Pokemon.  A first phase one from 2004 was not expected to do amazingly well at auction but Gold Star Torchic from the EX Team Rocket Returns set, was the exception to the rule.  In October 2021 it became clear that, as bidding quickly increased, that records could be broken.  This proved to be the case as the card reached an eye watering $50,000.

20. Tropical Mega Battle No. 2 Trainer ($50,300)

Image source: RedditEven though this Pokemon card did not even receive a grade, PSA still gave it an official authentication.  The Tropical No. 2 Trainer card is almost perfect except on the back of it as the sun has caused the color to fade.  The card was originally given out in Japan at the 1999 Mega Battle tournament and as PSA have only ever been half a dozen of these in existence, you don't need me to tell you how rare it is.  Despite the color loss, it still caused a frenzy at auction, selling at a staggering $50,300, not bad going in anyone's book!

19. No Rarity Venusaur ($55,000)

Image source: Mavin

Whatever the item, whether it be a first edition Harry Potter book, a commemorative stamp collection or a Pokemon card, printing errors will ensure a huge amount of excitement as the price jumps up dramatically  No Rarity cards came about due to this exact issue, a printing error.  Some copies of the early Japanese base set cards had the little black star, on the bottom right hand corner, missing from it.  This made them extremely desirable with collectors, with one card going for $55,000 in November 2021.

18. Mew Victory Orb Trophy ($60,000)

Image source: Mavin

The Victory Orb trophy card is incredibly rare and very highly sought after.  It was only handed out to the top three players in each age group during the Japanese Battle Road Summer tournaments in 2003 and 2004.  The card has been reprinted for subsequent events with different artwork but the original un-numbered promo card got collectors rubbing their hands together, each determined to take possession of it.  Fierce bidding went through the roof with one collector willing to part with $60,000 for the privilege.

17. Tropical Mega Battle - No. 2 Trainer ($60,000)

Image source: Mavin

In order to allow players to obtain special treatment at official Pokemon events, they have to be in possession of and show one of these trainer cards, although it is unlikely that this is the reason there is such a demand for them.  A PSA authentic copy of the Tropical Mega Battle trainer card sold for $60,000!  This was on eBay in 2019 in 2019 and although you may be of the opinion that it was a bit pricey, this is probably only a fraction of the price that a GEM-MT 10 copy of the card would sell for.

16. EX Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Charizard ($60,066)

Image source: PSA-graded

Because of its prestigious status and limited availability, the EX Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Charizard card has become a valuable collectible.  Charizard is so rare that it has become one of the most sought after Pokemon cards for collectors.  Despite it being printed in 2006, it is in tip top condition and has been professionally graded, the sky's the limit when it comes to how much a collector will pay for one.  That proved to be just so as the final sale price on eBay in 2020 was confirmed to be $60,066!

15. World Championships 2013 - No. 2 Trainer ($65,000)

Image source: Reddit

Excitement built up as the 2013 Pokemon World Championships were going to be held in Vancouver, Canada, the first to be held outside of America even though all four semi-finalists were actually American!  Three of them were lucky and skilled enough to leave the event with the cream, a coveted No.2 Trainer card.  With dollar signs running through their minds and rubbing their hands together in glee, one of the cards sold at auction in 2021 for, wait for it, $65,000!  Not bad going at all for a few days work!

14. Tropical Mega Battle - Tropical Wind ($65,100)

Image source: PSA-graded

It can be a difficult job working out how much a particular Pokemon card could sell for at auction as they don't necessarily all follow the same rules regarding their popularity.  An example of this is the Tropical Wind which is the most common of the Tropical Mega Battle set.  As it isn't rare, surely it wouldn't make a fortune at auction - but you're wrong!  Because not that many of the rarer cards actually go up for sale, there is always interest in a mint condition, more common one.   That happened with this one, sold on eBay in October 2020 for $65,100.

13. Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy Promo ($66,100)

Image source: PSA-graded

Back in 1998, Shogakukan’s Magazines in Japan offered school students the opportunity to take part in a contest. Pokemon fans that took various tests offered in that publication were given the chance to have their cards graded, a dream come true for fanatics. The students with the highest scores were invited to a conference in Osaka, where they got to participate in a special Pokemon card battle tournament.  The prize for winners of this unique competition was the Magikarp Trophy Pokemon card Promo. One sold for $66,100.

12. Umbreon Gold Star Holo ($70,000)

Image source: Mavin

As Eevee and its evolutions are probably the most popular characters in the Pokemon franchise, it's no surprise that a Gold Star Umbreon would swiftly become one of the most coveted Pokemon cards in the TCG.  Due to its low population, not many of these Pokemon cards have ever been put up for sale. All of that changed in June 2021 when the Gold Star Umbreon sold for $70,000.  The reason for the huge price tag is the BGS grade of 9.5 makes which makes it all the rarer.  Only two cards in the world have received a grade as high as this.

11. 2012 Pokemon World Championships No. 1 Trainer ($72,000)

Image source: VideoFan

Due to their extremely limited nature and also the fact that they are often pretty beat up and scruffy before they even make their way into the hands of players, high rated World Championship cards are always going to guarantee a good price and probably keep soaring. This was definitely the case when a PSA 9 copy of the 2012 No. 1 Trainer card gathered momentum in the bidding war and eventually sold at auction in November 2021 for a staggering $72,000.  If it was put on the market again, sources say it could reach $100,000!

10. Gold Star Umbreon Play Promo ($78,000)

Image source: PSA-graded

The Gold Star Umbreon Pokemon Play promo was released in Japan in 2005 and proved so popular due to its stunning artwork.  As well as the way it looks, this card is rare which obviously is always going to rack up the price if you want to become it's new owner. That new owner paid $78,000 in December 2021, more than was expected of it.  The previous record holder for a Beckett 9.5 that had sold just a few months earlier, was $70,000.  This one was an extra $8,000 because of its coveted PSA GEM-MT 10 rating.

9. No. 1 Trainer Super Secret Battle ($90,000)

Image source: PSA-graded

In 1999, The Pokemon Company hosted contests in different regions in Japan. Winners received a No. 1 Trainer Pokemon card and this granted them access to the final which was to take place in a secret location! Named “Super Secret Battle”, the special TCG tournament was surrounded by mystery.  This rare Pokemon card features a silhouette of Mewtwo, making it more desirable to fans. In July 2020, the Japanese promo stunned fans when it sold for an astonishing $90,000.  This made it one of the most valuable ever Pokemon cards.

8. Pokemon World Championships Promo No. 2 Trainer ($110,100)

Image source: Pinterest

The incredibly rare Trophy card was distributed at the 2006 World Championships in Anaheim, California. Since these Pokemon cards were only awarded to winners, it ensures their population stays extremely low. According to PSA, only three of these collectibles were issued at the competition.  in February 2021, one of these rare cards finally appeared online.  There were, understandably, more than 150 bids for it and the item brought in the um of $110,000 at a PWCC auction.  This left a lot of disappointed fans who had hoped to be the new owner.

7. Lugia 1st Edition Neo Genesis ($144,300)

Image source: PSA-graded

Similar to Mewtwo, Lugia was iconic for many kids who grew up with the series in the ’00s.  It should come as no surprise that its debut as a Pokemon card was right up there! Decades later, the Psychic bird became the most wanted item for collectors.  Lugia broke all earlier records by selling for an electrifying $129,000 in 2020 but that was surpassed by a Beckett graded 10 version of the item which sold at a PWCC auction in May 2021 for $144,300. As BGS grades much stricter than PSA, this made the pristine Pokemon card one of only three in the world.

6. Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy ($150,000)

Image source: PSA-graded

You could only get your hands on this 1998 Trophy Pokemon card if you participated in a special tournament in Japan.  With its adorable artwork featuring Kangaskhan with a baby in its pouch, surrounded by holo sparkles, it was a must-have card.  Quite fitting in that case then that the contest required a parent and child to take part alongside each other in the TCG battles.  Reports say that there are only 11 of these cards in existence that have been graded.  In 2020, two PSA 10s of this collectible went for the sum of $150,000.

5. Ishihara GX Promo (Autographed) ($247,230)

Image source: PokeGuardian

This rare promo card is a bit of an oddity as the artwork shows the CEO and President of The Pokemon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara.  The special Pokemon card, according to interviews, was actually given out to every employee that attended the executive’s birthday in 2017!  The card sold for $50,000 at auction in April 2020 and it is thought that only between 30m and 60 TGC collectible exist.  In 2021, an autographed card, signed by Ishihara himself, made it one of a kind.  Just shows the difference a signature makes!

4. Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze ($300,000)

Image source: Twitter

A surprising Pikachu card left the Pokemon community totally speechless and gobsmacked in early 2023.  It was estimated to sell for about $100,000 but reached a staggering $300,000!  The reason it went for such a high price was that it is one of a small handful to exist so very rare indeed.  The first Pokemon TCG tournament was held in Japan back in 1997.  The top three finishers in each division were handed a special Trophy Pikachu card as their reward,  Each card noted the place they reached in the historic event.

3. Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star holo ($360,000)

Image source: New York Post

The historical Nintendo artifact, Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star holo, went on sale in January 2021 at Heritage Auctions.  As only two of these exist, it could one day overtake to sit at the top spot of the most valuable Pokemon card ever.  It sold for a crazy $360,000, making it the third most expensive collectable card and only just behind the Base Set Charizard.  There have been "insider talks" about re-listing this stunner as word on the Pokemon street is that it could fetch up to $450,000.

2. Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set ($420,000)

Image source: Beckett

With only 121 Charizards in the whole universe known to exist with the perfect Gem Mint 10 rating, this one became one of the most valuable TCG collectibles in history.   The interest in this card came from far and wide with enthusiasts desperate to own it. Previous records were shattered into pieces on a very memorable day, March 19, 2022.   A Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard, apparently owned by a young person, made $420,000 at a PWCC auction.  This was a clear $100,000 more than the guide price!

1. Illustrator CoroCoro Comics Promo (Pikachu illustrator card) ($6,000,000)

Image source: YouTube

Number one in our top thirty list will be sure to send you wild.  The Illustrator CoroCoro Comics Promo Pikachu illustrator card is known to the the rarer than rare Japanese collectable.  The original holder, when interviewed, said they would never sell it unless they could get a $1,000,000 for it and that was spoken in jest!  The person in question changed their mind and put it up for auction in February 2022, where it was sold for $900,000.  A few months later a PSA Gem Mint 10 sold for $6,000,000!