Rare Pokémon Cards: The Top of the Collection

As a collector from the very beginning, I know one thing for sure: not all cards are created equal. Some Pokémon cards are so rare that they have achieved legendary status. They are hard to find, often extremely expensive and have a unique story. In this article, I will take you into the world of truly rare cards. Not only to increase your knowledge, but also to help you make better choices as a collector or investor.

What determines rarity?

Rarity is not just about how many were printed. It is about more than that. As you know, demand, condition and provenance also play a big role.

A card that was only dealt at a Japanese tournament in 1998? Chances are there are only a few of them. Combine that with a PSA 10 rating and you've got gold on your hands. And yes, I mean literally gold: some cards sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, many people focus only on the rarity icon on the card. That is too simplistic. A star says something, but not everything. It is about the whole picture: how many are in circulation, who wants it, and what condition is it in?

The most expensive Pokémon cards

I've seen a lot of prices go up over the years, and believe me, some of these cards were once in a booster pack.

  • Pikachu Illustrator (1998) – €5,000,000+
    A mythical card. Only 39 known. Given to winners of a drawing contest in Japan. I've never seen it in real life.
  • Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless (1999) – €200,000+
    You know this one. The card everyone wanted. In mint condition, it's one of the most expensive cards ever.
  • Tropical Mega Battle Exeggutor – €20,000 – €50,000
    Only awarded to tournament players in Hawaii. Try finding this one…
  • Gold Star Rayquaza (EX Deoxys) – €2,500 (raw), €15,000+ (PSA 10)
    A favorite of mine. Hard to pull, and the artwork is gorgeous.
  • Umbreon VMAX Alt Art (Evolving Skies) – €600 (raw), €3,000+ (PSA 10)
    A modern classic. Only becoming more popular, especially with new collectors.
  • Lugia 1st Edition (Neo Genesis) – €20,000 – €60,000 (PSA 10)
    The 'Charizard of Johto'. Definitely a top card when you look at prestige and value.

As you can see, old and new participate. That makes the game so exciting.

Cards you almost never encounter anymore

There are cards that are so rare that they hardly ever turn up anymore. I myself spent years before I even saw some of these at a fair.

  • No.1 Trainer Cards
    Awarded to winners of worldwide tournaments. One per region. Rarest of rare.
  • University Magikarp (1998)
    A bizarre card, only given 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. Chances of finding one? Zero.
  • Pre-release Raichu
    The most mysterious card ever. Officially 'non-existent', but still in the hands of a few collectors.

I dare say: these are cards that you can't just hunt down. They find you, not the other way around.

How do you recognize a valuable card?

You don't have to be an expert to recognize a good card. But there are a few things you should know:

  • Check the card number. For example, does it say 204/203? Then you have a Secret Rare .
  • Look at the shine and the design. Alternate Arts are immediately noticeable.
  • Find your card on PSA, Cardmarket or PokémonTCG.io. Compare prices and how many are graded.
  • And if you really want to be sure: have the card graded. A PSA or Beckett report makes a world of difference.

Also important: keep your cards safe. Use sleeves, toploaders or a sturdy binder. Because every scratch can cost you hundreds of euros.

Van Gogh Pikachu: Rare and Desirable

The 2023 Van Gogh Pikachu is one of the rarest modern promos. Due to the high demand and limited edition, this card is already an icon. A PSA 10 sells for around €1,200-€1,500 , while a PSA 9 often does not go above €500 . That shows how important perfect condition is. This card is hard to find and continues to increase in value


Investing or collecting?

I often get asked the question: “Is it smart to invest in Pokémon cards?” And honestly? Yes, but only if you know what you’re doing.

Invest in cards that you really like. They hold their value better. And watch 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 when you invest, you have to be critical.

I always say: collecting is more fun than investing. But if you approach it smartly, you can do both.

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