The rare Pokémon cards most sought after by collectors
Rare Pokémon cards have been the object of desire of many collectors since the launch of the trading card game in 1996. In this article, we present to you the 10 most valuable rare Pokémon cards and how you can find them to add to your collection.
What makes a Pokémon card rare?
Before we dive into the list of the most valuable cards, it's important to understand what makes a Pokémon card considered rare. Here we explain the main factors that determine a card's rarity:
- Limited or promotional edition
- Low number of copies in circulation
- Unique printing or design errors
- High demand among collectors
Now that we know the factors that influence the rarity of a Pokémon card, let's explore the top 10 most valuable cards.
Top 10 Most Valuable Rare Pokémon Cards
1. Pikachu Illustrator
This card was released as a prize in an illustration contest in 1998, and only 39 known copies exist worldwide. Due to its rarity and unique design, it is considered the most valuable and rare Pokémon card in history.
2. First Edition Charizard with Shadow Seal
The first edition Shadow Seal Charizard is one of the most iconic and recognizable cards in the world of Pokémon cards. Its stunning design and the nostalgia associated with this card make it one of the most valuable on the market.
3. First Edition Mewtwo with Shadow Seal
Like Charizard, the first edition Mewtwo with shadow seal is another highly coveted card. Its holographic design and the popularity of the Mewtwo character make it a very valuable card.
4. First edition Blastoise with shadow seal
Blastoise is another iconic Pokémon, and its first edition Shadow Seal card is highly sought after by collectors. This card is especially valuable if found in mint condition.
5. First edition Venusaur with shadow seal
Venusaur completes the trio of starter Pokémon from the first generation and, like Charizard and Blastoise, its first edition card with a shadow seal is very valuable and rare.
6. First Edition Neo Genesis Lugia
The holographic Lugia card from the Neo Genesis expansion is another gem for collectors. Its impressive design and the fact that it is a first edition card
making it highly coveted in the Pokémon card market.
7. Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star
These two cards, from the POP Series 5 expansion, are extremely rare and valuable. Gold Star cards feature the Pokémon's artwork in its shiny form, making them even more desirable for collectors.
8. Mew Gold Star
Part of the Dragon Frontiers expansion, the Mew Gold Star card is another highly sought-after Shiny card. Its design and the popularity of the Mew character make it one of the most valuable cards on the market.
9. Rayquaza Gold Star
This card is part of the EX Deoxys expansion and is very rare due to its low appearance rate in card packs. Gold Star Rayquaza is one of the most valuable and rare cards from the third generation of Pokémon.
10. Charizard VMAX
Charizard VMAX is a newer card, from the Sword & Shield: Darkness Ablaze expansion. Despite being newer, its popularity and demand from collectors have quickly made it one of the most valuable and rare cards in the game.
How to find rare Pokémon cards?
Now that you know the most valuable rare Pokémon cards, you might be wondering where to find them. Here are some ideas:
- Buying Card Packs: While it's hard to get rare cards in packs, there's always a chance of finding a gem.
- Participate in auctions: Online auctions, such as eBay, are a good place to look for rare and valuable cards.
- Trading with other collectors: You can join online communities or attend card trading events to find people willing to trade rare cards.
- Buying from specialist sellers: Many online stores and sellers specialise in selling rare and valuable Pokémon cards.
Remember that the condition of the card is crucial in determining its value, so be sure to protect and care for your rare cards.
Good luck on your quest to find these rare and valuable Pokémon cards to enrich your collection!