The Top 10 Most Expensive Pokémon Cards Ever Sold
- Patrice Journ
- Aug 22
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Pokémon cards have come a long way from being just childhood collectibles. They’ve exploded into a thriving market that captivates both enthusiasts and investors alike. While the craze is currently on the new Pokemon TCG Mega Evolution release, over the past few years, we’ve seen some jaw-dropping sales that prove just how coveted these cards have become. In this post, we’re diving into the top 10 most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold, showcasing the insane value tied to these seemingly humble pieces of cardboard. Get ready to be amazed.
We’re keeping it clean—no duplicates or variants here, just the top sale for each unique card. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride through some of the most legendary Pokémon cards ever sold. Let’s dive in.
1. 1998 Japanese P.M. Pikachu Illustrator PSA10 GEM MINT - $5.2 Million - Private Sale
What is the most expensive Pokémon card ever? In 2022, YouTube sensation Logan Paul shook the collectibles world by dropping a jaw-dropping $5.275 million on the population 1 PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu, officially making it the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold. But here’s the twist—it wasn’t just a straight cash deal. Paul shelled out $4 million in cash and tossed in a PSA 9 Illustrator Pikachu he already had in his collection.
This card isn’t just rare—it’s a piece of Pokémon history. Released in 1998 as a promotional item for Corocoro magazine, the same publication behind some of the most iconic Pokémon promos ever, the Illustrator Pikachu is more than just a card; it’s a legendary artifact in the world of Pokémon collectibles.
2. 1997 Topsun Pokémon Charizard Blue Back (No Number) PSA 10 - $420,000 - Goldin Auctions
The Topsun series holds a special place in Pokémon history, hitting the scene early in the franchise’s life—before most of the TCG sets we know today even existed. But the Blue Back Topsun Charizard? That’s where things get really interesting. Its unique artwork and a printing error tied to its date crank up its rarity and desirability to another level. With its one-of-a-kind look, historical weight, and the intrigue of its mislabeling of the year, this card isn’t just a collectible—it’s a piece of Pokémon lore. And when it sold in 2021 for $420,000, it only solidified its legendary status.
For Topsun collectors, this variant holds unique appeal: it lacks the printed number typically positioned beside each character’s name and features a rare blue back. These traits identify it as part of the prototype era (1996-97)—the earliest Topsun cards ever produced. Later print runs added numbering and shifted to green-backed designs, making the original blue-backed variants prized relics of Pokémon’s collectible origins. Learn more about the different Topsun's rarity and value, including the set's controversy, in reading our dedicated article on the Topsun Pokémon cards.
The Rise Of Pokémon Topsun Cards: Controversy and Rarity
Why these 1997 cards are a must-have for true collectors?
3. 1999 Pokemon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard #4 PSA 10 - $420,000 - PWCC
Of course, another Charizard had to make the cut. This is the original English Charizard, the card that started it all back in 2021. Despite there being 124 PSA 10 copies and nearly 4,000 graded versions floating around, this iconic card still grabs the spotlight. A PSA 10 copy sold for a staggering $420,000 at auction on PWCC, solidifying the OG Charizard as an absolute powerhouse in the Pokémon card universe.
4. 1998 Pokemon Japanese Promo Silver 2nd-2nd Tournament #2 Trophy Pikachu PSA 10 - $444,000 - Goldin
This card hails from the second iteration of the 1997-98 Japanese Lizardon (Charizard) Mega Battle tournament, which used the same style of trophy cards as the first event. It’s a testament to Charizard’s enduring appeal, captivating fans for over two decades and still holding its status as a fan favorite today.
Drawn by Mitsuhiro Arita—the legendary artist behind the iconic Base Set Charizard—this card is a masterpiece in its own right. With only 14 copies believed to exist, it’s among the rarest Pokémon cards ever produced. Of those, just four have been graded by PSA, and this particular copy stands alone as the only one to achieve a PSA 10.
What makes this card even more significant is that it represents the first public sale of a Pikachu trophy card, offering a rare peek into the high-stakes, ultra-exclusive world of Pokémon collectibles. Even though it’s a second-place trophy and relatively more common compared to other trophy cards, it has skyrocketed to become one of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold. As more trophy cards surface over time—even if only every few years—we’ll slowly uncover more about this elusive and private market.
5. 1998 Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Hologram CGC NM/Mint+ 8.5 - $360,000 - Heritage Auctions
Let’s talk about something truly wild—how many two-of-a-kind Pokémon cards can you even name? Yeah, that’s right, two-of-a-kind. This is one of those rarities that’ll make your head spin. You’re looking at the Commissioned Presentation Blastoise, and it’s often mistaken for the MTG-backed Blastoise (which, by the way, is also insanely valuable and rare). They’ve got that same quirky Comic Sans-style font and a similar front, but this Blastoise? It’s on another level. It features the same holofoil pattern as the Base Set cards, and the kicker? The back is completely blank. Only two of these were ever printed, and the other one? Yeah, it’s never been seen. Poof. Gone.
This card is the stuff of legends, man. It’s one of those Pokémon cards that just gets your heart racing. The Commissioned Presentation Blastoise was almost lost to history—it was only mentioned in one interview, and even that’s disappeared. There’s another similar card that was made for international purposes, but its whereabouts? Total mystery. Makes you wonder how many more of these promotional or test cards are out there, just waiting to be discovered. Some were meant to be public, sure, but others? Those were saved by sneaky employees who rescued them from the shredder. Heroes? Maybe. Slightly illegal? Probably. But hey, we’re not complaining.
Take the "For Position Only" (FPO) cards, for example. These were packed into Legendary Collection boosters, but here’s the twist—only five cards were inside. They were printed before the Expedition E-reader set even dropped and were supposed to be destroyed. But guess what? One WotC employee decided to play the hero and saved them. Illegal? Maybe. Awesome? Absolutely.
6. 1997 Pokémon Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze PSA Trading Card Game NM-MT 8 1st Tournament, Holo - $360,000 - Heritage Auctions
Now, check this out—this adorable Pikachu trophy card is a true gem from the very first Pokémon tournament. Back in June 1997, in Chiba, Japan, only four third-place winners from each event walked away with one of these. Oh, and it wasn’t just a trophy—it also scored you a spot in the Lizardon Mega Battle Tournament, which is basically the OG National Championships for Pokémon. Talk about a flex.
Now, here’s the kicker: this card is a brand-new addition to the list of ultra-valuable Pokémon cards. A PSA 8 copy just sold for a jaw-dropping $300,000 at Heritage Auctions on April 21, 2023, instantly catapulting it into the ranks of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever. And get this—if a third-place card is worth that much, just imagine what the No. 1 Trainer’s card from that tournament must be worth. Mind. Blown.
7. 2017 P.M. SM Black Star #TPCi01 Tsunekazu Ishihara Signed Pokemon GX Promo Card - PSA NM 7, PSA/DNA 9 - $241,200
It’s a bit of an oddball on the list, but it’s got a story. This card was a promotional piece released in 2017 to celebrate the 60th birthday of Tsunekazu Ishihara, the founder and president of Pokémon. It was handed out exclusively to Pokémon employees, so it’s not something you’d just stumble across at your local card shop. We don’t know the exact number printed, but as of now, there are 10 graded by PSA and another 12 by CGC.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The value of this card doesn’t come from the card itself—it’s all about Ishihara’s signature. The signature is graded a 9, but the card? It’s only a PSA 7! For context, a PSA 10 copy sold in 2020 for $100,000, and that’s the only one in that grade. You’ve got to wonder if the employees who got this card are kicking themselves for not asking the boss to sign theirs.
And here’s the kicker—it’s kind of ironic that a card celebrating the founder of Pokémon seems to have pretty poor print quality. You’d think they’d go all out for something this special, but hey, it’s the signature that’s driving the value, not the card itself.
8. 2005 Pokemon Japanese Play Promo 70,000 Pts Holo Umbreon Gold Star #26 PSA 10 - $180,000 - PWCC
The Japanese Gold Star Umbreon was a rare reward from the Pokémon Players Club in Japan, requiring players to earn 70,000 points by the end of the fourth season. Starting with just 1,000 points, players could only gain 50 or 100 points by attending events or winning matches, with additional points for tournament placements. Given the tight timeframe and the TCG’s low popularity at the time, hitting 70,000 points was a monumental task, making this card not just rare but a testament to extreme dedication.
This sale marks a huge leap in value compared to previous ones. The prior record was $78,000 for a PSA 10 copy with slight back whitening. Interestingly, older PSA 10 cards (with "2" certs) often have minor flaws, so this newer, cleaner certification likely commanded a premium. It’s a reminder to scrutinize older graded cards for imperfections, even in top-tier conditions.
9. 1998 Pokémon Family Event Kangaskhan Trophy Card Promo 115 Parent/Child Mega Battle PSA GEM MT 10 - $175,000 - Heritage Auctions
Raichu, the evolved version of Pikachu, has its own dedicated following. The 1999 First Edition Holographic Raichu card sold for $120,000, reflecting the market's ongoing interest in first edition cards featuring beloved Pokémon. The vibrant artwork and nostalgic elements resonate strongly with fans, making this card a prized addition to any collection.
10. 1999 Pokémon Promo Secret Super Battle No. 1 Trainer Holo PSA GEM MT 10 - $156,000 - Heritage Auctions
This card is as unique in its story as it is in its design. It was awarded to just seven regional winners of the Super Secret Battle tournament, and its text reads: "The Pokémon Card Game Official Tournament's champion is recognized here, and this honor is praised. By presenting this card, you may gain preferential entry into the Secret Super Battle." The tournament’s location was a secret, revealed only to those who won one of these No. 1 Trainer cards. The finals took place in Tokyo on August 22, 1999.
With only seven regional winners, it’s believed there are just seven copies of this card in existence. Interestingly, PSA has graded eight, with six being PSA 10s and two PSA 9s—likely due to someone resubmitting their card in hopes of a higher grade.
This is one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever. Its most recent public sale was in September 2022 for $156,000 at Heritage Auctions. Before that, it sold for $90,000 in 2020, showing a significant increase in value over just a few years. (And let’s be honest, not every card on this list can say that!)
The Thriving World of Pokémon Cards
The world of Pokémon card collecting is as exciting as it is lucrative. The sky-high prices these cards command aren’t just about money—they’re fueled by passion, nostalgia, and the deep connection fans have with the franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the hobby, the appeal of these iconic cards is impossible to ignore. As the market keeps evolving, one thing’s for sure: the future holds even more milestones in this dynamic world of Pokémon collectibles. The love for Pokémon is eternal, and its most valuable cards will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere. Check out our TCG section for more related content!
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