PVP Live has been bringing you the most talked-about insights in the world of video games. But, this time, we’re slightly taking on a new route by discussing trading card games. Are you a fan of these?
Among the most popular, if not the number one, trading card games in the world right now is Pokémon. Yes, “Pokémon” isn’t just about anime series and video games. You may be somebody who cried heaps of tears to their parents in the toy store just to own these cards (unless you are crazy rich), because these cards are, hands down, expensive.
If you are into playing Pokémon trading cards, have you ever wondered which of these cards are the priciest? Did we just tickle your imagination? Well, here, we’ll present the most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold, with their staggering prices. Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat!
The Most Expensive Pokémon Cards Ever Sold
10. World Championships 1999 – No.1 Trainer
Price: $90,000
First on the list is the World Championships 1999 – No.1 Trainer card, valued today at around $90,000, but you’ll see more eye-popping prices as you read through.
It is the rarest Pokémon card in existence, sold at auction at that price in July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, this card was awarded to the regional champions of the Pokémon World Championships held in Tokyo in 1999.
9. World Championships 2006 – No.2 Trainer
Price: $110,100
It may feel eerie, but for whatever reason, No.2 Trainer cards have always been in-demand and highly desirable among collectors, such as this World Championships 2006 – No.2 Trainer trading card.
In February 2021, just a few years ago, a PSA 9 graded copy was sold by PWCC, the world’s largest trading card marketplace, for around $110,000, earning it the title of the most expensive No.2 Trainer card so far.
8. 1st Edition Neo Genesis Lugia
Price: $144,300
Now this is a card relatively new. Released in Neo Genesis at the turn of the 21st century, this 1st Edition Neo Genesis Lugia card is the first Lugia card in the Pokémon trading card game. Lugia is the official mascot of the game “Pokémon Silver.”
7. Family Event Kangaskhan
Price: $150,100
It’s not Pikachu, it’s not Squirtle, not Charmander, and not Bulbasaur, but a lesser-known Pokémon named Kangaskhan.
Why is this significant? Well, the card itself was given as the prize during the parent-and-child Pokémon tournament held in 1998, where families battled other families. Those who racked up the most wins were awarded this promo card.
6. 1998 2nd Tournament Trophy Pikachu No. 3
Price: $192,000
The 1998 2nd Tournament Trophy Pikachu No. 3 is one of the “most sought after” Pokémon cards. It was presented as one of the prizes during the 1997-98 Japanese Lizardon Mega Battle Pokemon tournament events, which is why these cards were extremely limited and rare in their release. Furthermore, they were only printed once before. This card’s value now is at around $192,000. Wow.
5. Ishihara GX Promo
Price: $247,230
Now you might find this card looking weird because instead of the usual sights of Pokémons, what you see is a person.
This Ishihara GX Promo was printed to celebrate the 60th birthday of Tsunekazu Ishihara, who is still alive and kicking as the current CEO of the Pokémon Company.
Interestingly, these cards were given to just a handful of employees and friends. Only one was able to get a copy of the autographed version of the card. No wonder why it’s price is that high.
4. No Rarity Charizard
Price: $324,000
You will be seeing more than one Charizard card on this list, but don’t be surprised, as you know how powerful this Pokémon evolution is.
No Rarity cards belong to the “first edition” printing of the Japanese base set in 1996. Before this time, cards showed no rarity symbols. The value of this No Rarity Charizard card right now, more than $300,000. Maybe MrBeast wants to bid?
3. Blastoise Wizards Of The Coast Presentation Galaxy Star Holo
Price: $360,000
Also very rare, historic, iconic, and unsurpassed. These superlatives are not even enough to express how important this card is in this hobby. It was in mid-1998 when two of these cards were printed. Initially, they were used as “Presentation” pieces to seek the approval of Nintendo to also print Pokémon cards in English.
2. 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard
Price: $420,000
The runner-up is the First Edition Shadowless Charizard. It has been said that this Holo Rare Charizard card has been the holy grail of Pokémon collectibles since the year 1999. Many Pokémon fans also consider this as the most iconic Pokémon trading card ever printed. This first edition card, in particular, is called “shadowless” because of the absence of a drop shadow behind its art frame. Its value is around $420,000. How many phones can you buy with that?
1. Pikachu Illustrator
Price: $5,275,000
Also one of the rarest Pokémon cards of all time, the Pikachu Illustrator was only awarded to the runaway winners of the Original Illustration Contest held in Japan in 1998. Because of this, many are willing to pay a high price just to own this card.
Such as YouTuber Logan Paul, who, in 2022, paid a whopping $4 million dollars for the card, along with others who were interested in it, which is why its price totaled over $5 million.
Conclusion
Whether it is because of the powers and abilities of those cards, or they are simply just rare, many are willing to take a risk and take a leap of faith just to possess those cards. And we can’t blame them. With the advent of online video games, trading card games are truly a gem to cherish.
