Top 5 Most Expensive English Pokémon Booster Boxes (And Why They're So Pricey)
As a collector I know how special it is to have a sealed Pokémon booster box in your hands. Especially the older boxes have something magical. Not only because of the cards inside, but also because of the history attached to it.
In this blog I will take you along the five most expensive English Pokémon booster boxes . I will tell you why these boxes are so popular, which cards are in them and what my view on this is as a collector.
1. Base Set 1st Edition Booster Box
💰 Price: €300,000 to €450,000
We start with the absolute legend among booster boxes: the 1st Edition Base Set from 1999 . This is where the Pokémon TCG adventure began. The box of course contains the iconic 1st Edition Holo Charizard , perhaps the most famous Pokémon card ever.
Why is this box so expensive? Simple: first edition, low circulation and pure nostalgia. Many of these boxes have been opened over the years, making sealed copies rare.
Honestly, I think this is one of the most beautiful pieces you can own as a collector. Not only because of the value, but mainly because this is where the Pokémon card story really started.
2. Legendary Collection Booster Box
💰 Price: €80,000 to €100,000
The Legendary Collection was released in 2002 and re-released older cards, but with a spectacular reverse holofoil . This fireworks-like holo pattern makes the set unique.
However, what many people forget is that this box was released relatively small. Many copies were opened, because the set was mainly seen as a nice reprint at the time. Only later did people realize how rare sealed boxes are.
Personally I think the Legendary Collection is one of the most underrated sets. Especially because of that beautiful reverse holo effect, which you don't see in other series.
3. Neo Destiny 1st Edition Booster Box
💰 Price: €70,000 to €90,000
The 2002 Neo Destiny set is the last of the Neo series and is known for the introduction of the Shining Pokémon . Think Shining Charizard and Shining Mewtwo — cards that are high on the wish list for many collectors.
What I personally love about Neo Destiny is how special those shining cards feel. At the time, they were something new. They captured the imagination and they still do.
The combination of low mintage, strong chase cards and the fact that it is the last Neo set makes this box one of the most expensive on the market today.
4. Skyridge Boosterbox
💰 Price: €60,000 to €80,000
Skyridge , released in 2003 , is the last set released by Wizards of the Coast . That makes this box special anyway. But what really makes Skyridge special are the Crystal Pokémon such as Crystal Charizard and Crystal Ho-Oh .
The artwork in this set is also in my opinion one of the most beautiful there is. Many cards have full illustrations, which makes for a unique look.
However, due to the limited edition size and the fact that this set was not opened in large numbers, sealed Skyridge boxes are now rare and sought after.
5. Aquapolis Boosterbox
💰 Price: €40,000 to €60,000
Like Skyridge, Aquapolis belongs to the e-Reader series . This set was released between 2002 and 2003 and contains special cards such as Crystal Lugia and Crystal Nidoking .
What makes Aquapolis so interesting to me is the combination of unique artwork, e-Reader functionality and the rarity of the set. This box was also not stocked en masse. As a result, sealed copies are now very hard to find.
As a collector I always look at the e-Reader sets with great respect. They have something artistic, something you don't see in other series.
My view as a collector
It remains special to see how high the prices of these boxes have become. Of course, scarcity plays a major role, but also the feeling that goes with it. Many collectors, including myself, have a strong bond with these sets. Not only because of the value, but because these are the series where it all started for many.
My advice? Don't just be guided by the price. Look especially at the sets that make you happy. Also individual cards or single packs from these boxes can be a beautiful addition to your collection.
And remember: sealed collection remains a profession in itself. It requires patience, knowledge and a little love for the game.
