Pokemon Japanese Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trainer Card
Sold in December, 2020 for $60,000
The Battle Road Summer 2005 tournament spanned across nine different Japanese cities between July 10 and August 14, 2005.
As a prize, the top three competitors from each age division of the regional tournaments received one of these Victory Orb cards that feature Mew and the artwork of Takumi Akabane.
Previous Victory Orb cards from the Battle Road Summer tournaments in 2003 and 2004 did not feature Mew so many hobbyists believe this one to be an aesthetic upgrade.
The Japanese text below the artwork translates to:
“Victory Orb can only be used by official tournament winners. Look at the top 7 cards of your deck, then return them to the top of your deck in any order.”
Pokemon World Championship Masters Key
- Release Date: 2010
- Grading: BGS 9
- Pokemon card value at auction: $26,900
In 2010, the best pokemon cards players around the world were flown into Waikoloa Village, Hawaii for the World Championships. Upon arrival, contestants were given a Master Keys Pokemon card.
Because the item was only printed for participants at the tournament, only 36 of these in total were ever created, making it technically one of the most rare Pokemon cards to ever exist in the hobbys nearly 25-year history.
Despite only being intended for those at the event, one of these made there way out to the public and was sold for an astonishing $26,900 in August 2020. A pretty sweet reward to receive 11 years later.
Most Expensive Pokemon Cards In 2021
It should be noted that top lists are almost always up for debate. A cards value can be determined by the highest its ever sold at auction, or what it sells for on average.
A Pokemon cards value can also wildly fluctuate with the market and are largely dependent on the items grading and condition. Our list is based on what the collectible has sold for in the latest auctions, and its position will be updated if it sells for less or more.
Don’t Miss: Pokemon Sun And Moon Eevee
Not Worth Much: Pikachu Legendary Treasures: Radiant Collection
Though the “look at the shiny thing” tactic might suggest importance, this card is quite cheap. Yes, it is labeled uncommon, and yes, there are fewer listings than usual, but $7 for a card like this is underwhelming,
You might be able to trick your friends into believing you got it for some exorbitant price, but we all know deep down inside that you didn’t.
What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards
The Shadowless cards are the very first print runs that Wizards of the Coast produced for the Pokemon Base Set. WOTC did not like the look of the original Pokemon Cards. So, they changed several things on the cards to make them look better. The most obvious was putting the shadow around the box which had the art of the Pokemon character. The HP font was also changed and the colors were made to pop.
All 1st Edition Character cards are Shadowless. There is a very small print run of Unlimited Shadowless cards that followed the 1st Edition cards. The bulk of Unlimited cards have shadows. Shadowless Unlimited cards are generally worth more than shadowed versions of unlimited cards due to their scarcity.
Here are the releases of Base Set Pokemon Cards, in order:
- 1st Edition All Shadowless
Prices are all based on Near Mint Condition. We highly recommend you get 1st Edition Holofoils cards from this set graded! .
The PSA 10 Column shows actual sold prices for 1st Edition cards on eBay. As Base Set cards are graded more and more, we have decided to show only PSA values for 7s and 10s.
| Card # |
Also Check: Where To Find Dragonite Pokemon Go
First Edition Holographic Magneton
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,750
Composed of three individual Magnemite held together by a strong magnetic force, Magneton is a dual-type electrical and steel Pokémon.
Often found near industrial areas and power plants, this mechanical creature charges itself by eating electrical currents.
Magneton is certainly one of the more unusual-looking of all Pokémon.
Are Original Base Set Pokemon Cards Worth Anything
So basic Pokemon cards arent actually worth very much at all. But how about original base set Pokemon cards?
Original base set Pokemon cards are worth something if they are rare or are in excellent condition.
First edition Pokemon base set trading cards, also known as the Shadowless cards are worth some money because they are rare. If you have a box of old Pokemon cards collecting dust somewhere in an attic or closet, you should go check it out.
Look for what makes Pokemon cards rare and valuable and see if you have any of these cards. You never know you may find a treasure in your old stash of Pokemon cards.
Speaking of valuable Shadowless cards, out of this base set, these are the most valuable:
- Shadowless Charizard
- Shadowless Venusaur
- Shadowless Mewtwo
Because they are so rare, these cards are among the most valuable for Shadowless base set Pokemon cards.
Read Also: Pokemon Fire Red Box Art
Not Worth Much: Detective Pikachu Cards
Most got hold of these when the Detective Pikachu film came out, expecting them to be worth a lot, and whilst the film itself is now the highest-rated video game movie, the cards just aren’t popular.
Selling at a wonderful average of $9.00, these cards just haven’t had the time to grow yet. Most people have one with the intention of them being worth a lot so they are extremely easy to come by. However, you can still make a little bit of money off them, it just isn’t really worth it.
Japanese Promo Master’s Scroll Daisuki Club 8600 Points
Sold in March 2021, for $35,200
This holographic Master’s Scroll card is one of several item cards that were part of the L-P Promotional cards released between September 2009 and August 2010.
Once a player accumulated 8,600 action points, he or she would earn the Master Rank distinction and a prize in the form of this Master’s Scroll card.
Given the difficulty of acquiring such a massive amount of action points, not many members ever received one of these cards, making it one of the rarest promotional Pokemon cards in the hobby.
Recommended Reading: Is Mimikyu In Pokemon Go
Blastoise 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card value at auction: $45,100
Not only is Blastoise one of the most beloved characters in the Game Freak RPG, but the Water-type starter has also become one of the most valuable Pokemon cards currently on the market.
Those who grew up with the 1999 Base Set easily equated the turtle on the same level as the highly sought-after Charizard, so it makes sense that decades later, many are willing to bust out their wallets for the iconic mon.
While its 1st Edition Shadowless Pokemon card from 1999 has always brought in good money, the popular item has seen a massive jump in value recently. In a PWCC auction held in November 2020, the rare Base Set Blastoise sold for $45,100.
First Edition Holographic Gyarados
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,800
This serpentine creature is an extremely temperamental and destructive Pokémon that relies on both its water and flying abilities to unleash its wrath.
Its tough scales are practically impenetrable while its sharp fangs are capable of crushing rocks.
Because it lives in both fresh and saltwater, it’s best to stay clear of water in general if you want to avoid Gyarados.
Read Also: Pokemon Heart Gold Desmume
Torchic Gold Star Holo Team Rocket Returns
- Release Date: 2004
- Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card value at auction: $25,400
In 2004, TPC introduced Gold Star Pokemon cards to drum up interest in the hobby again. The new line of collectibles had a low print-run, and made their debut alongside the criminally underrated Team Rocket Returns expansion.
Due to its insane popularity, Hoenn Fire-type starter Torchic instantly became one of the most rare Pokemon cards released that year. And whats not to love about it, its easily one of the most adorable artworks to ever grace a TCG release.
The specially marked collectible went up for auction in 2020 and sold for $25,400. That is a mind-blowing amount considering the same item was selling for around $300 in 2016, making the Pokemon cards value an 8,000% increase in just four years!
Pokemon French First Edition Dracaufeu
Sold in February, 2021 for $37,300
The First Edition Dracaufeu, or the French name for Charizard, is also relatively easier to find in PSA 10 condition than the English version.
Though only 28 examples have achieved that grade, PSA has only graded 382 overall, meaning that roughly 7% of them are PSA 10s.
Read Also: Ultra Sun Codes
Identify The Card With The Name And Number In The Set
Finally, identify the card by looking up its name and card number on eBay.
The name will be located above the illustration of the card and the number is on the bottom right of the card. After checking all three of these steps, you should easily be able to identify every card, even if you dont know exactly what set it is in.
Pokemon First Edition Blastoise
Sold in November, 2020 for $45,100
One of the coolest-looking of all Pokémon with its twin water cannons that retract from the shell on its back, Blastoise received a massive boost in popularity after serving as the cover mascot of the Pokémon Blue video game.
1st Edition Blastoise cards feature a first edition stamp to the lower left of the holographic image and no shadowing effect behind its right and bottom borders.
Out of the 2,070 first edition Blatoise cards submitted to PSA as of this writing, 100 of them have been given the PSA 10 distinction or roughly 4.8% of them.
Recommended Reading: Shiny Eevee Evolutions
Valuable: Pikachu Promo Misprint
There have been plenty of promotional Pokemon cards released over the years, but few are quite as valuable as one of the ones that were released to celebrate the first Pokemon movie. There were millions of them handed out across the world, but thanks to a printing error, some are worth quite a lot of money.
While a regular version of the card typically sells for around $50, the misprint regularly goes for around $3,000. It’s unclear exactly how the first movie stamp came to be inverted nor is it known how many of the cards are out there, which probably contributes a lot to the card’s high value.
Valuable: Pikachu Vmax Rainbow
A more recent example, Pikachu VMAX Rainbow has ascended the ranks to stardom. This smirking, tubby wall of flesh is quite a strong card on its own, but it’s the shimmering secret quality that’s got everyone going bananas.
The decided median for this special card is around $270.99. Since it is so new, it is likely going to fluctuate compared to the other cards on this list.
Also Check: How Do You Get Mew In Fire Red
Pokemon Ex Deoxys Gold Star Holo Latias
Sold in December, 2020 for $20,100
The eighth expansion of the EX Series, the EX Deoxys checklist contained 108 cards in total, with cards #105 , #106 , and #107 receiving the desirable gold star distinction.
Designed by Masakuza Fukuda, the artwork on the Latias card features eye-catching imagery of the dual-type Dragon/Psychic creature that belongs to a group of incredibly rare Pokemon known as Legendary Pokemon.
First Edition Holographic Alakazam
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $2,800
With its psychic powers that stem from its extremely powerful brain, Alakazam can bring massive headaches to those unfortunate enough to be nearby.
The evolution from Abra to Kadabra to its final form of Alakazam is one of the more fun name transitions of the series while this card itself is one of the more fun to own.
Recommended Reading: Pokemon Sun And Moon Eevee
First Edition Holographic Poliwrath
Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,500
This round, blue powerhouse is a dual-type water and fighting Pokémon known for its strength and endurance.
A versatile swimmer capable of going long distances without tiring, Poliwrath is also known to be able to run on the surface of the water for brief periods of time.
Easily identified by the black swirl on its white underbelly, Poliwrath is a formidable opponent that can easily outlast its enemies due to its superior stamina.
Not Worth Much: Set Of 3 Gen 1 Starters
Many fans would think that selling a set would be a good way to get more money out of it. After all, if you want one starter you might as well have all three to complete the set! However, this, unfortunately, isn’t the case and it sells for so low that most end up selling the cards separately!
Selling at around $4.00 – $20.00, in some cases, collectors and sellers, aren’t even making the money back they spent on the card pack in the first place, making this set pretty much worthless.
Recommended Reading: Pokemon Gold Vs Silver Vs Crystal
Store Your Cards In Self Storage
Central Self Storage is the perfect place to store your Pokémon cards and other collectibles. With a climate-controlled storage unit, your cards will stay protected from extreme temperatures and humidity. Well help you pick out a self storage unit in Boise, ID thats ideal for storing your cards and keeping them unblemished for years. Contact us today!
- How to Soundproof a Home Office August 18, 2021
- Should I Start a Business? Heres What Youll Need to Begin August 11, 2021
- How to Be a Good Roommate in Your Bay Area Apartment June 15, 2021
Pokemon Japanese Base Set Holo No Rarity Symbol Holo Charizard
Sold in November, 2020 for $57,877
The 1996 Japanese “No Rarity” Charizard card is a true piece of hobby history as it marked one of the first appearances of the iconic character.
Most Japanese base set cards will contain a “rarity symbol” in the lower-right corner of the card that varies based on the card type.
Holographic cards in the set feature a star symbol, so if you find one without the rarity symbol, then you know you’re looking at the more rare, first-print “no rarity” Charizards.
The “no rarity” Charizards are much more difficult to find as PSA has graded 3,634 regular base set Charizards compared with only 273 “no rarity” Charizards.
Furthermore, roughly 14% of the regular base Charizards have achieved a PSA 10 grade compared to less than 2% of the “no rarity” Charizards.
Also Check: How To Get Riolu In Pokemon Go
Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind Trainer Card
Sold in October, 2020 for $65,100
Just a bit ago, we saw how expensive the number two trainer card from the 1999 Pokemon Tropical Mega Battle could be even without a numerical PSA grade assigned to it.
And now we get a look at how expensive the trainer card given to all players who participated at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 1999 can be if it’s graded to be in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition.
This card, featuring Psyduck and Jigglypuff laying sleepily in a hammock in a tropical setting, has become a hobby icon and one of the most sought-after trainer cards.
The “TRAINER” text across the top denotes the card type while the text below reads:
“Flip a coin. If heads, remove 2 damage counters from each active Pokemon . If tails, each active Pokemon is now asleep.”
First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4
A very valuable version of a classic fan-favourite
Sold for $369,000 in December 2020
Shiny Charizard has been one of the Pokémon card games most popular cards since it first released in 1999, so theres no surprise that 20-plus years later, it remains one of the most sought-after cards for collectors and fans alike.
While a number of first-edition cards from the Pokémon TCGs early days are worth some money – assuming theyre still in good nick – due to their limited availability and age, this specific version of the holographic Charizard absolutely stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable Pokémon cards ever released.
A PSA 10 Base Set 1st Edition Charizard just sold at auction with an ending bid of $183,812.00 via . Including the 20% buyer’s premium, the total transaction value exceeds $220k. As of now, this is the highest known sale of the card.
Also Check: Shiny Eevee Evolutions Sword
What Basic Pokemon Cards Are Worth Money
Valuable Pokemon cards arent always the first edition ones. Every year Pokemon releases cards that are worth something. Normally these arent really basic but they are limited edition cards or cards in high demand.
There are several Pokemon cards that are worth money which include first edition, limited edition, holographic, or GX cards.
Pokemon cards that are given out at tournaments or events are valuable too since there are so few in existence. The main thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to Pokemon cards being valuable, if there is a limited supply that is less than the demand for them they will be more valuable.
So, if a lot of people are looking for and wanting a particular card, its value will shoot up.
Some of the most valuable Pokemon cards are:
- Pikachu Trophy Cards
- Inverted WB Stamp Error Cards
- Crystal Cards
For more rare and valuable Pokemon cards visit, DiceBreaker.
Not Worth Much: Mcdonalds 25th Anniversary Promo Set
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the series, the Pokemon company teamed up with McDonalds to release a special promotional set featuring every starter Pokemon in the series. There are 25 of them included, although each one has its own holographic variant for a total of 50 cards. They’re not quite as flashy as the golden promo cards from Burger King a few years back, but they remain highly collectible nonetheless.
Despite many of the cards being pilfered before they could find their way into happy meals though, their value is surprisingly low. All 50 can be purchased together for as little as $50 while individual cards are typically selling for between two and five dollars a pop. As with most Pokemon cards though, their value will almost certainly rise as time goes on.
Recommended Reading: Pokemon Name And Picture