The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a global phenomenon; released in 1996, the cards have found their way into the hands of fans of all ages, as well as both casual and hardcore collectors alike. Let’s take a closer look at some of the rarest and most sought-after cards that have made an appearance over the years and why they’ve retained such impressive value.
What Makes the Pokémon Trading Card Game So Valuable?
Trading cards, whether they’re branded as Pokémon or not, are worth more than you may realize—and true collectibles are pretty much guaranteed to increase in value over time. There’s a vast, worldwide market for Pokémon thanks to the franchise’s impressive reach, and plenty of collectors out there are willing to shell out a considerable amount of money chasing down certain cards. The bottom line is that the Pokémon Trading Card Game can be quite a profitable investment due to the cards’ (at times) limited supply, surging demand, global market, and easy accessibility! Here are just a few of the coolest and most valuable Pokémon cards circulating in 2023 that are worth investing in:
#1. Pokémon Celebrations Shiny Mew Gold Holographic
Mew is one of the most mysterious and hard-to-locate Pokémon in the franchise, and coincidentally, hunting down one of these cards might prove just as ambitious. Released in 2021 as a part of the 25th Anniversary Collection, there is no Japanese equivalent of this card, making it all the more rare. The eye-catching artwork features Mew against a holographic gold background, making it a beautiful and valuable investment for any serious collector.
#2. 2006 Arcanine ex Legend Maker
This card hails from the golden era of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and though the current value is just under $100, it’s not unheard of for highly graded cards to sell for four figures. It’s a great option for those looking to add both value and player power to their collections.
#3. Pokémon Promo Card Ash’s Pikachu SM108
Ash’s Pikachu has been the face of the Pokémon franchise since its early roots, so needless to say, the card-version of this cuddly protagonist is highly sought-after. Released in 2017 as a part of a 7-card set, collecting all of the different variations of this card can increase the overall value of your collection and net you a higher return.
#4. Pokémon POP Series 5 Espeon Gold Star
The Espeon Gold Star is a promotional card released in 2007, meaning that it’s quite rare these days. Featuring beautiful art by Masakazu Fukuda, the image looks like it’s lifted straight out of the animated series. Despite its classic status and non-holographic design, the card can still easily fetch four figures.
#5. Shadowless First Edition Charizard
Charizard is perhaps the most iconic Pokémon from the first generation, aside from Pikachu—and if you were lucky enough to snag one of these cards from the 1999 Base Set, hopefully, you’ve safely held on to it all these years! The card was originally sought-after due to its sheer power within the context of the game, combined with its beautiful artwork designed by Mitsuhiro Arita. Needless to say, it’s the Holy Grail for Pokémon card collectors; a perfectly graded one even sold for $420,000 at the PWCC Auctions in March of 2022, but on average, it can still easily net you a few grand.
No matter what your reasons are for collecting Pokémon cards, it’s always wise to keep tabs on the current value of some of the most legendary ones in existence!
About Bricks & Boards +
Here at Bricks & Boards +, we’re happy to offer one of the most impressive and comprehensive selections of Pokémon cards in the Dawsonville, GA area! Whether you’re hoping to add to your collection or make a little off of your investment, we’d be happy to assist you. If you have any questions about the blog or would like to inquire about our inventory, feel free to contact us today, give us a call, or stop by! Telephone: (706) 525-5568.
