4 min read

As collectors from the very start we know one thing for certain: not all cards are equal. Some Pokémon cards are so rare that they have reached legendary status. They are hard to find, often extremely expensive, and they come with a story of their own. In this article we take you into the world of genuinely rare cards – not just to widen your knowledge, but to help you make better choices as a collector or an investor.

What decides rarity?

Rarity is not only about how many were printed. It goes further than that. As you know, demand, condition and provenance play a big part too.

A card that was only handed out at a Japanese tournament in 1998? Chances are only a handful exist. Combine that with a PSA 10 grade and you are holding gold. And yes, we mean that literally: some cards change hands for hundreds of thousands of euros.

A lot of people look only at the rarity symbol on the card, though. That is too simple. A star tells you something, but not everything. It is the whole picture that counts: how many are in circulation, who wants one, and what condition is it in?

The most expensive Pokémon cards

We have watched a fair few prices climb over the years. And believe us, some of these cards could once just be pulled from a booster.

  • Pikachu Illustrator (1998) – €5,000,000+
    A mythical card. Only 39 known. Handed out to winners of a drawing contest in Japan. We have never seen one in the flesh.
  • Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless (1999) – €200,000+
    You know this one. The card everybody wanted. In perfect condition it is one of the most expensive cards ever.
  • Tropical Mega Battle Exeggutor – €20,000 – €50,000
    Only handed to tournament players in Hawaii. Good luck finding one…
  • Gold Star Rayquaza (EX Deoxys) – €2,500 (raw), €15,000+ (PSA 10)
    One of our favourites. Hard to pull, and the artwork is stunning.
  • Umbreon VMAX Alt Art (Evolving Skies) – €600 (raw), €3,000+ (PSA 10)
    A modern classic. It only gets more popular, certainly with newer collectors.
  • Lugia 1st Edition (Neo Genesis) – €20,000 – €60,000 (PSA 10)
    The "Charizard of Johto". Absolutely a top card, both for prestige and for value.

As you can see, old and new are both in the mix. That is what makes this so interesting.

Cards you almost never come across

There are cards so rare that they barely surface at all. It took us years to see some of these even once at a fair.

  • No.1 Trainer cards
    Handed to winners of worldwide tournaments. One copy per region. Rarer than rare.
  • University Magikarp (1998)
    A bizarre card, only handed out to winners of a Japanese event. Only 30 to 50 in the world.
  • Pokémon Snap cards
    These are based on screenshots from the game. You could only win them in Japan, through a photo contest. Odds of finding one? Next to nothing.
  • Pre-release Raichu
    The most mysterious card there is. Officially "does not exist", yet still in the hands of a few collectors.

We will say this much: these are not cards you can go hunting for. They find you, not the other way around.

How do you spot a valuable card?

You do not have to be an expert to recognise a good card. But there are a few things worth knowing:

  • Check the card number. Does it say 204/203, for instance? Then you have a Secret Rare.
  • Look at the shine and the design. Alternate Arts stand out immediately.
  • Look your card up on PSA, Cardmarket or PokémonTCG.io. Compare prices, and how many have been graded.
  • And if you really want certainty: have the card graded. A PSA or Beckett report makes a world of difference.

Just as important: store your cards properly. Use sleeves, toploaders or a sturdy binder. Because every scratch can cost you hundreds of euros.

Van Gogh Pikachu: rare and wanted

The Van Gogh Pikachu from 2023 is one of the rarest modern promos. Between the enormous demand and the limited print run, this card is already an icon. A PSA 10 brings in around €1,200 – €1,500, while a PSA 9 often does not get past €500. That shows how much perfect condition matters. This card is hard to find and it keeps rising in value.

Investing or collecting?

We often get the question: "Is it smart to invest in Pokémon cards?" And honestly? Yes, but only if you know what you are doing.

Invest in cards you genuinely like. Those hold their value better. And keep an eye on trends: sets like 151 or Shrouded Fable are already seen as classics in the making.

As you know, condition is king. PSA 10s are often worth 5 to 10 times more than a card with light damage. So if you are going to invest, you have to be critical.

We always say it: collecting is more fun than investing. But approach it smartly and you can do both.