As collectors we know how special it is to hold a sealed Pokémon booster box in your hands. The older boxes in particular have something magical about them. Not only because of the cards inside, but also because of the history attached to them.
In this blog we take you through the five most expensive English Pokémon booster boxes. We explain why these boxes are so sought after, which cards are inside and what our view on them is as collectors.
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? Very simple: first print run, low print numbers and pure nostalgia. Many of these boxes have been opened over the years, which has made sealed copies rare.
Honestly, we think this is one of the finest pieces you can own as a collector. Not only because of the value, but above all because this is where the Pokémon card story really started.
2. Legendary Collection Booster Box
Price: €80,000 to €100,000
The Legendary Collection appeared in 2002 and reprinted older cards, but with a spectacular reverse holofoil. This firework-like holo pattern makes the set unique.
What many people forget, however, is that this box had a relatively small print run. Plenty of copies were opened, because at the time the set was mainly seen as a fun reprint. Only later did people realise how rare sealed boxes are.
We think the Legendary Collection is one of the most underrated sets, mainly because of that beautiful reverse holo effect that you do not see in any other series.
3. Neo Destiny 1st Edition Booster Box
Price: €70,000 to €90,000
The Neo Destiny set from 2002 is the last of the Neo series and is known for introducing the Shining Pokémon. Think of Shining Charizard and Shining Mewtwo — cards that sit high on the wish list of many collectors.
What we personally love about Neo Destiny is how special those Shining cards feel. Back then they were genuinely something new. They fired the imagination, and they still do.
The combination of a low print run, strong chase cards and the fact that it is the final Neo set makes this box one of the most expensive on the market today.
4. Skyridge Booster Box
Price: €60,000 to €80,000
Skyridge, released in 2003, is the last set published by Wizards of the Coast. That alone makes this box special. But what really sets Skyridge apart are the Crystal Pokémon such as Crystal Charizard and Crystal Ho-Oh.
In our opinion the artwork in this set is among the most beautiful there is. Many cards have full illustrations, which gives them a unique look.
Because of the limited print run and the fact that this set was not opened in large numbers, sealed Skyridge boxes are rare and highly sought after today.
5. Aquapolis Booster Box
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 us is the combination of unique artwork, the e-Reader functionality and the rarity of the set. This box was not stored away in large numbers either, which is why sealed copies are now very hard to find.
As collectors we always look at the e-Reader sets with a lot of respect. They have something artistic about them, something you do not see in other series.
Our view as collectors
It stays remarkable to see how high the prices of these boxes have climbed. Scarcity plays a big part, of course, but so does the feeling that comes with them. Many collectors, ourselves included, have a strong bond with these sets. Not only because of the value, but because these are the series where it all began for so many people.
Our advice? Do not let price be your only guide. Look above all at the sets that make you happy. Single cards or a few packs from these boxes can already be a wonderful addition to your collection.
And remember: collecting sealed product is a craft of its own. It takes patience, knowledge and a little love for the game.
