Top 27 Most Expensive Pokémon Cards Ever

For nearly 30 years, the Pokémon franchise has produced numerous rare cards, but only a select few reach values that could make Meowth’s eyes light up!

Collectors often keep quiet about the exact prices they pay or receive, wanting to protect future negotiations.

However, some high-profile Pokémon card sales have gone public, revealing eye-popping prices. Here, we highlight the record-breaking, most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold.

Price: $65,000

Grade: PSA 9

Just because this is the last place on our list, it doesn’t mean it’s something to overlook. This card was given to the second-place finisher in the 2013 Pokémon World Championships, which was actually the first tournament held outside the U.S. Couple that with its PSA 9 grade and you’ve got a seriously expensive, highly desirable bit of Poke tourney history.

26. Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind

Price: $65,100

Grade: PSA 10

Now, this is a slice of Pokémon history! The Tropical Wind card was handed out to the few who competed in the 1999 Tropical Mega Battle in Hawaii. With only 50 cards in existence and just three at a pristine PSA 10, you can see why it hit $65,100. It’s a nostalgia piece from the early Pokémon tournament scene, and that’s not something you come across every day. Owning one of these is like owning a ticket back to Pokémon’s early days of competitive play.

25. World Championship Master Key

Price: $65,100

Grade: Beckett 9.5

A serious collector’s prize, the Master Key went to just 36 top players at the 2010 World Championships. It’s graded at a Beckett 9.5, meaning it’s got both rarity and quality on its side, and the $65,100 price tag is a reflection of that. The artwork alone feels like a bit of history, symbolising the highest levels of Pokémon play with artwork that truly sets it apart.

24. World Championships 2012 No. 1 Trainer

Price: $72,000

Grade: PSA 9

This card is the stuff of legends! It was awarded to the 2012 World Champion and stands alone as the only graded version. With a PSA 9, it’s pretty much championship history you can hold, if you’re ready to part with $72,000. For those who appreciate the competitive spirit of Pokémon, this card’s got a prestige that only comes from winning it on the world stage.

23. Snap Contest Squirtle

Price: $73,700

Grade: PSA 8

If you owned an N64 back in the day, it’s likely you had Pokemon Snap. In fact, it was so popular that Nintendo held a contest; the best snaps got the chance to be featured in real-life Pokemon cards! Only 15 winners snagged this Squirtle card, and it’s become a true piece of collectable history. Sold for an eye-watering $73,700, it makes this not only a card but a tribute to a special Pokémon contest that’s held strong in the nostalgia ranks. 

22. University Magikarp

Price: $78,000

Grade: PSA 10

A real Old Rod catch of the day for collectors, the University Magikarp was awarded to top competitors at a 1998 Japanese tournament, making it incredibly rare. With its PSA 10 grade, it’s in perfect form, and that $78,000 sale price proves it’s more than just a quirky card. This is Magikarp at its peak—unexpectedly iconic and highly sought after in the Pokémon world.

21. Umbreon Gold Star Players Club Promo

Price: $78,000

Grade: PSA 10

This Gold Star Umbreon is about as rare as they come, awarded only to Players Club members who racked up an impressive 70,000 XP in 2005. Graded at a flawless PSA 10, it’s a piece of Pokémon history that reached a staggering $78,000. For Umbreon fans, this one’s the ultimate piece.

20. Snap Contest Charmander

Price: $79,300

Grade: PSA 7

Next in the Snap contest cards is the fantastic Charmander. With in-game artwork that brings back that late-90s vibe, this card may only be a PSA 7, but that didn’t stop it from hitting $79,300. It’s a nostalgic reminder of early Pokémon competitions and the magic of those first fan-driven events.

19. Snap Contest Bulbasaur

Price: $80,520

Grade: PSA 9

Ah, this one is by far my favourite out of the Snap family. The artwork brings out all the charm that fans loved back in the day, and with a price tag of $80,520, it’s clear collectors are ready to go big for a piece of Pokémon’s early history. This one’s got all the feel-good vibes for fans and is a definite showpiece.

18. Snap Contest Gyarados

Price: $87,500

Grade: CGC 9.5

One of the fiercer entries from the 1999 Snap contest, this Gyarados card is a blend of power and nostalgia. It’s graded at CGC 9.5, making it the top card from the contest, and priced at $87,500, it’s for the collector who appreciates a bit of history with their bite. With only 15 in existence, this card’s all about celebrating Pokémon’s competitive roots while capturing Gyarados’s iconic look.

17. World Championships 1999 Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer

Price: $90,000

Grade: PSA 10

Now here’s a card that’s practically legendary. The Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer card was given to just seven champions back in 1999, and this one’s a perfect PSA 10. Sold for a hefty $90,000, it’s a crown jewel from Pokémon’s competitive side. For serious fans and collectors, this card’s exclusivity and role in Pokémon history make it an ultimate prize.

16. Full Art Lillie – Extra Battle Day

Price: $108,000

Grade: PSA 10

The Full Art Lillie card from Japan’s Extra Battle Day is a pretty face as well as a powerhouse in the modern collecting world. With a PSA 10 and some seriously stunning artwork, this card skyrocketed to $108,000, largely due to its limited release and reduced availability during the pandemic. It’s become one of the most coveted trainer cards, coupling modern appeal with the kind of rarity that gets collectors reaching deep.

15. World Championships 2006 No. 2 Trainer

Price: $110,100

Grade: PSA 9

This one’s a serious collector’s dream with only three being handed out at the 2006 Pokémon World Championships, making it ultra-rare. With a PSA 9, it’s in great shape, and at $110,100, it’s clear that exclusivity doesn’t come cheap. For anyone into the world of competitive Pokémon, this card’s got that ‘top-tier prize’ status that makes it stand out.

14. Charizard Disco Holofoil

Price: $113,800

Grade: CGC 8

This Charizard card is a prototype that displays an early, experimental holographic foil pattern, (known as ‘disco holofoil’ making it a piece of Pokémon card production history. It went for a cool $113,800, making it a collector’s favourite, especially if you’re into rare, one-of-a-kind Pokémon items (and let’s face it, who isn’t?)

13. Neo Summer Battle Road National No. 2 Trainer

Price: $132,000

Grade: CGC 10

This one’s got personal rarity written all over it. Given to the second-place winner of Japan’s 2001 Neo Summer Battle, it even has the runner-up’s photo on it! There’s literally just one of these in the world, which explains that hefty $132,000 price tag. It’s the kind of card that’s priceless to anyone who loves unique event awards and a good tournament backstory. And the winner’s mother: ‘Do a nice one for grandma!’)

12. Super Secret Battle No. 2 Trainer 2000

Price: $137,500

Grade: CGC 8

One auction site called this their ‘Holy Grail’ of Pokémon cards, with it being the only card in existence. Again, it features a picture of the 2nd placed player from that year (‘mom get the camera’) but this one went into hiding for around 20 years until randomly appearing on an auction site, fetching an incredible $137,500.

11. Neo Genesis 1st Edition Lugia

Price: $144,300

Grade: BGS 10

This Neo Genesis Lugia is a real gem. With a perfect BGS 10, it’s in flawless condition, which is pretty rare for a card from Pokémon’s early days. Sold for $144,300, it’s one of those cards that’s as iconic as it is valuable. Collectors love it for that vintage appeal and the prestige that comes with owning a card in such pristine shape. A true trophy piece for Lugia fans.

10. Kangaskhan Family Event Trophy

Price: $150,100

Grade: PSA 10

This one’s got a sweet story—awarded at a family tournament in Japan, this Kangaskhan card is a nod to Pokémon’s family-friendly roots. Graded PSA 10, it’s in mint condition, and at $150,100, it’s clear that collectors are all about the sentimental value here. It’s a rare find with a backstory that makes it more than just another trophy card.

9. Blastoise ‘Magic: The Gathering’ Test Card

Price: $216,000

Grade: CGC 6.5

Here’s one of the coolest crossover collectables out there. This Blastoise card has a Magic: The Gathering back, making it a super unique item with only two known to exist. Sold for $216,000, it’s the ultimate bridge between Pokémon and Magic fans. For collectors who appreciate the rare and unusual, this one’s a serious thrill.

8. No. 3 Trainer Pikachu Trophy (1998)

Price: $216,000

Grade: PSA 8

This Pikachu trophy card is a slice of early Pokémon history, given to the third-place winner in Pokémon’s 1998 tournament. With a PSA 8 and a limited print, it’s hit that collector sweet spot, going for $216,000. For fans of vintage tournament cards, this one’s a true treasure, carrying both nostalgia and a hefty bit of prestige from Pokémon’s early competition days.

7. Ishihara GX Signed Promo Card

Price: $247,230

Grade: PSA 7

This card’s as unique as it gets as it’s actually signed by none other than Pokémon’s President, Tsunekazu Ishihara, for his 60th birthday. Graded PSA 7, it went for a solid $247,230, a testament to its personal and historical value. With Ishihara’s autograph on it, it’s almost like having a piece of Pokémon’s inner circle right there in your hands—a truly special piece that celebrates the legacy behind the franchise.

6. No. 3 Trainer Pikachu Trophy (1997)

Price: $300,000

Grade: PSA 8

Awarded to third-place winners at Pokémon’s first-ever tournament in 1997, this No. 3 Trainer card is a piece of history in every way. With a PSA 8 grade, it’s significant and super rare, pulling in a jaw-dropping $300,000. It’s got that legendary status that makes it a memento from the early days of competitive Pokémon tournaments.

5. Charizard No Symbol Holo Signed by Mitsuhiro Arita

Price: $324,000

Grade: PSA 10

For Charizard fans, this card is on another level; a No Symbol Holo signed by the original artist Mitsuhiro Arita. With a pristine PSA 10 grade, it’s not only flawless but iconic, with its value hitting an incredible $324,000. It’s the kind of collectable that goes beyond rarity, making it one of the most famous Pokémon cards ever to grace the market.

4. Wizards of the Coast Blastoise Presentation

Price: $360,000

Grade: CGC 8.5

Created as a pitch to Nintendo to bring Pokémon to the U.S., this Blastoise card is one of only two known copies. Graded CGC 8.5, it sold for an eye-watering $360,000, marking it as a true piece of Pokémon’s rise to fame. A fascinating bit of history, it represents the early ambitions that eventually turned Pokémon into a global phenomenon.

3. No. 2 Trainer Pikachu Trophy (1998)

Price: $444,000

Grade: PSA 10

This one’s a serious heavyweight, which is exactly why it’s at number 2 on our list. Awarded to the second-place winner in Japan’s 1998 tournament, this Pikachu trophy card is pristine with a PSA 10, so you know it’s a big deal. It went for an eye-popping $444,000, and that’s no typo! So, why did this go for more than the 1st place? That prestigious PSA 10 of course. You’re not going to get another one like it.

2. Topsun Charizard Blue-Back

Price: $493,230

Grade: PSA 10

Now here’s a Charizard that’ll have you salivating. This is the 1995 Topsun Charizard with a blue back, graded a perfect PSA 10, and it’s so rare it hit a wild $493,230 in price. For Charizard fans, this card’s like the crown jewel, carrying the kind of exclusivity most collectors can only dream of.

1. Pikachu Illustrator

Price: $5,275,000

Grade: PSA 10

Aaaaaand here it is, the absolute holy grail of Pokémon cards. The Pikachu Illustrator, with only 39 known to exist and a flawless PSA 10 grade, hit an insane $5,275,000 when Logan Paul snagged it. This is the legend of all Pokémon collectables, the ultimate prize. What makes it the same price as a small army though?

Well, back in 1998, CoroCoro Comic held a series of art contests in Japan, asking young Pokémon fans to create their own card designs. Winners were rewarded with a unique card, Pikachu Illustrator, featuring art by Atsuko Nishida, who created Pikachu himself. Only a handful of these cards were ever made, and they were never sold commercially, just given to contest winners as a token of appreciation.

Unlike most ultra-rare cards, Pikachu Illustrator is tied to the early days of Pokémon, long before it became a global phenomenon. 

5 milly though…