The most expensive Pokémon cards in 2023 is hard to predict. Many factors influence a card’s value, such as its rarity, popularity, and market conditions. Some people say that an old and scarce card from a classic set will be the most valuable in 2023. Others argue that a new and sought-after card from a recent set will be the most expensive because it is powerful in tournaments.
However, the most expensive Pokémon cards in 2023 could also change depending on the global economy and other events.
According to Guinness World Records, the Pikachu Illustrator card was the most valuable Pokémon card in August 2022. It was bought by Logan Paul, a famous boxer and internet star, for $5.275 million. Guinness says that this card is the only one in the world with a PSA grade 10.
#1 Most Rare Pokémon Card
Some factors make some Pokémon cards very rare and valuable, such as how many were printed, how hard they are to find, and how much people want them. The most rare cards can change over time because of the market and the supply of the cards. Some of the Pokémon cards that are now very rare are:
Pikachu Illustrator:
This card shows Pikachu and is one of the rarest and most expensive Pokémon cards. It was a prize for the winners of an art contest in Japan in 1998. Only 39 cards were made. There is only one Pikachu Illustrator card with a PSA of 10.
Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless Base:
This card came out in 1999 and is the second-rarest card. It has only 121 copies and is the most valuable Charizard Pokémon card. Some other rare cards are the 1999 Pokémon Professor Oak’s Research Promo and the 2000 Pokémon Game Boy Color Promo.
These cards are very popular among collectors because they are very rare and have special features. They can sell for a lot of money because of that.
Top 10 Most Expensive Pokémon Cards
The current market values place these five Pokémon cards at the top of the list for the most expensive:
Pikachu Illustrator:
Sold for $5.275 million in July 2021, this card is one of the rarest and commands a high price. Released in Japan in 1997 as a contest prize, it features unique “Illustrator” text and art by Atsuko Nishida, an original Pokémon character designer.
Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless Base:
Fetching $420,000 in May 2022, this Charizard card is a fan favorite from its 1999 release. With only 121 Gem Mint 10 rated copies, it’s a collector’s dream for its rarity and iconic holographic design.
Blastoise Presentation Galaxy Star Holo:
One of only two known to exist, this Blastoise card sold for $360,000 in January 2021. Created in 1998 to persuade Nintendo of Japan to approve the English TCG release, it’s a piece of Pokémon history.
Black Star Ishihara Signed GX Promo Card:
Featuring Tsunekazu Ishihara, the Pokémon Company president, this card was a 60th birthday tribute with limited circulation. A signed copy fetched $247,230 in April 2021.
Family Event Trophy Card Kangaskhan-Holo #115:
Awarded during a 1998 family tournament in Japan, this card’s value of $150,100 reflects its rarity, with only three sales in two decades.
2000 Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia:
Known for its prominence in Soul Silver, a Beckett-graded 10 Lugia sold for $144,300 in May 2021.
World Championships Promo No. 2 Trainer:
This card, given to winners at the 2006 World Championship, auctioned for $110,100 in February 2021, with only three known copies.
No. 1 Trainer Super Secret Battle:
Exclusive to contest winners, this card from a 1999 secret location event in Japan sold for $90,000 in July 2020.
Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy Promo:
Originating from a 1998 contest, this card went to victors of a challenging tournament in Osaka, selling for $66,100 in February 2021.
Tropical Mega Battle Promo Tropical Wind:
From a 1999 Hawaiian tournament, this card was part of an exclusive set awarded to twelve winners, auctioned for $65,100 in October 2020.
Factors that Determine the Value of a Pokemon Card
The value of a Pokemon card depends on several factors, such as:
Rarity:
The rarity of a card indicates how difficult it is to obtain. Generally, the rarer the card, the higher the value. Rarity can be influenced by the number of cards printed, the distribution method, the edition, the set, and the variant. For example, cards that were only given to the winners of certain tournaments or contests are extremely rare and valuable.
Condition:
The condition of a card refers to the physical state of the card, such as the corners, edges, surface, and centering. The condition of a card can affect its aesthetic appeal and playability. Generally, the better the condition, the higher the value. Condition can be graded by professional services, such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), which use a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the best.
Popularity:
The popularity of a card refers to the demand and preference of the collectors and players. Generally, the more popular the card, the higher the value. Popularity can be influenced by the character, the artwork, the rarity, the nostalgia, and the competitive viability of the card. For example, cards featuring Charizard, Pikachu, or Mewtwo tend to be more popular and valuable than other cards.
Market:
The market of a card refers to the supply and demand of the card in the trading and selling platforms. Generally, the higher the demand and the lower the supply, the higher the value. Market can be influenced by the trends, the events, the media, and the influencers of the Pokemon community. For example, cards that are featured in viral videos, auctions, or documentaries can increase their value and demand.
Demand:
Some cards are more popular because they are useful in competitive games or because they feature a favorite Pokémon character, and this makes them more desirable and costly. Some examples of valuable Pokémon cards are Pikachu Illustrator, which sold for $5.275 million, and Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless Base, which fetched $420,000.
The Most Valuable Charizard Pokémon Card
Charizard is a famous and beloved Pokémon character. Many Pokémon cards featuring Charizard are very rare and expensive. The most valuable one is the 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard, which auctioned for $420,000.
Some other costly Charizard cards are the 1999 Pokémon Japanese Charizard Promo, which fetched more than $20,000, and the 1999 Pokémon Japanese Holographic Charizard, which sold for more than $10,000.
Where to Buy Rare Pokémon Cards
Collectors can find rare Pokémon cards on reliable online platforms and sellers, such as eBay, TCG Player, and PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator). It’s important to check the card’s authenticity and condition before buying rare Pokémon cards online.
The most expensive Pokémon cards Base Set Cards
Pokémon base set cards are the most wanted by collectors, especially the ones from the earliest sets, which were released in the late 1990s. These cards are often very valuable and in high demand. Here are some of the most expensive base set Pokémon cards:
- Pikachu
- Charizard
- Blastoise
- Venusaur
- RaichuRelated: How Much Are 1st Edition Pokémon Cards Worth?
The Most Expensive Pokemon Cards in the World
Based on these factors, here are some of the most expensive Pokemon cards in the world, as of 2023:
1998 Illustrator CoroCoro Comics Promo (Pikachu Illustrator card):
This is the most expensive Pokémon cards in the world, setting a Guinness World Record when it sold for $5,275,000 to Logan Paul in 2022. It was given to the winners of the Pokemon Card Game Illustrator Artist Contest by the magazine CoroCoro Comics in the 1990s, and there are less than 40 in existence, with only 24 still around today. The card features the word “Illustrator” instead of “Trainer”, a pen symbol, and double rarity stars, and it was designed by Atsuko Nishida, the original graphic designer who created Pikachu.
1995 Pokemon Japanese Topsun Charizard, Scarce Blue Back: This is the second most expensive Pokemon card in the world, selling for $493,230 in 2021. It is the only PSA 10 (mint condition) example of this card, which predates the Pokemon “game” cards and features no number and a blue back, rather than the traditional Pokemon design. It also carries the 1995 date, although it was not distributed until 1997, adding more mystery and allure to this card.
1999 Pokemon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard #4:
This is the third most expensive Pokémon cards in the world, selling for $369,000 in 2020. It is one of the most iconic and desirable cards in the Pokemon franchise, featuring the fan-favorite Charizard in its holographic and shadowless form, which means it has no drop shadow behind the image and the text. It is also part of the first edition of the base set, which means it has a small “1” symbol on the left side of the card.
2000 Pokemon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9:
This is the fourth most expensive Pokémon cards in the world, selling for $144,300 in 2021. It is one of the most rare and difficult cards to find in mint condition, featuring the legendary Lugia in its holographic form. It is also part of the first edition of the Neo Genesis set, which introduced the second generation of Pokemon to the card game.
1999 Pokemon Base Set 1st Edition Holo Blastoise #2:
This is the fifth most expensive Pokémon cards in the world, selling for $129,000 in 2021. It is one of the most popular and powerful cards in the Pokemon franchise, featuring the final evolution of Squirtle in its holographic and first edition form. It is also part of the base set, which is the first and most influential set in the card game.
Conclusion
Pokemon cards are more than just a game. They are also a form of collectible art that can fetch astronomical prices in the market. Some of the rarest and most sought-after cards are worth millions of dollars, making them the ultimate prize for any Pokemon fan. The value of a Pokemon card depends on several factors, such as rarity, condition, popularity, and market. Based on these factors, some of the most expensive Pokemon cards in the world are the 1998 Illustrator CoroCoro Comics Promo, the 1995 Pokemon Japanese Topsun Charizard, the 1999 Pokemon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard, the 2000 Pokemon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia, and the 1999 Pokemon Base Set 1st Edition Holo Blastoise.
Summary
The most expensive Pokémon cards are usually rare promotional cards or cards that were given as prizes at tournaments. These cards often have artwork that is holographic or made of gold foil. Many of the best cards are from the first sets or have popular Pokémon characters on them. Collectors and competitive players drive the demand for these cards because they want to complete their sets or use them in tournaments.
