Legendary Pokémon: The Most Wanted Cards and Sets

By Jessie Schreuders
3 min read

If you’re familiar with Pokémon, you know that legendary Pokémon are always some of the most popular types. They’re powerful, rare , and often the highlight of a set. But which Pokémon are they exactly? Which cards are reallypopular ? What’s the point of collecting them? And in which sets can you find them?

As an experienced collector, I will tell you exactly what you need to know.

What are Legendary Pokémon?

Legendary Pokémon are unique creatures that usually only appear once in a game or movie. Think of Mewtwo , Lugia , Rayquaza , Dialga or Zacian . They often have a story, special powers and belong to trios, duos or other combinations.

As you know, legendaries are sometimes confused with mythical Pokémon such as Mew or Celebi. They officially fall under a different category. In this blog I will focus purely on the legendary group.

How many legendary Pokémon are there?

There are currently over 60 legendary Pokémon , spread across all generations. Each generation adds new ones, often in a specific themed group.

Examples:

  • The Bird Trio – Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres
  • The Regi’s – Regice, Registeel, Regirock, Regidrago, Regieleki
  • The Creation Trio – Dialga, Palkia, Giratina

The cool thing is: many of these Pokémon can be collected as a set. That makes it extra cool if you get a complete group.

What do legendary Pokémon actually do for you?

That's a good question. There are several ways to rate legendary Pokémon:

  • For collectors : They are among the most iconic cards. People recognize them immediately. They make your collection stronger visually and in terms of content.
  • For players : In the TCG some legends are also playable. Think of Zacian V, Koraidon ex or Miraidon ex, which score really well competitively.
  • For investors : They often retain their value well. Especially with popular or nostalgic legends you see stable or rising prices.
  • For fans : They're just plain cool. The art is often spectacular, and many legends have a deep connection to Pokémon lore.

Personally I think it's especially cool to have complete sets or trios in a nice display. It feels powerful and complete.

Which legendary Pokémon cards are the most sought after?

Not every card in a legend is immediately valuable. But some always stand out:

  • Lugia Neo Genesis 1st Edition – An Icon Among Collectors
  • Rayquaza Gold Star (EX Deoxys) – Rare, Strong, Gorgeous
  • Mewtwo GX Secret Rare (Shining Legends) – Still Popular
  • Zacian V Alternate Art – A Modern Classic
  • Dialga GX Full Art (Forbidden Light) – Loved by design and color

Please note: value is often in older versions, full arts, alternative illustrations or graded copies (such as PSA 10).

What are the prices of these cards?

Prices vary. You can find a regular holo for a few euros. But a rare card in mint condition can be worth hundreds or even thousands of euros.

Sample prices:

  • Lugia Neo Genesis PSA 10 – above €40,000
  • Rayquaza Gold Star PSA 10 – between €15,000 and €30,000
  • Galarian Moltres alt art – around €70–€150 in Near Mint

As you know condition, mintage and grading play a big role. If you are going for value, investing in PSA 9 or 10 is always a safer bet.

Which sets contain legendary Pokémon?

You'll find legends in many sets, but they're most prominent in these:

My personal favorite remains EX Deoxys . The cards are rare, visually strong and have real collector value.

My advice as a collector

Legendary Pokémon are more than just powerful cards. They are a visual anchor in your collection, recognizable to everyone, and often the most beloved among fans.

Want to start collecting? Start with the legends you like. Use tools like GetCollectr or Cardmarket to compare prices, and always buy from trusted shops. Graded cards are safe, but single NM cards can also be valuable.

And remember: collecting isn't just about money. It's about passion, memories and the story behind the card. 🚀