Pokémon cards have always been a popular collectible, but did you know that some rare variants of classic cards can actually be worth a lot of money? In this article, we will explore the most expensive Pokémon cards that you might have in your collection, and how you can identify them. So, if you’re ready to potentially make some cash from your old Pokémon cards, keep reading!
The Holy Grail Cards
The first category of expensive Pokémon cards is known as the Holy Grail cards. These are considered the rarest of the rare and can fetch huge sums of money. One such card is the Trophy Pikachu Trainer Number One card. These cards were given out to trainers who finished highly in official sanctioned Pokémon tournaments. The rarest form of these cards comes from the 90s tournaments and are usually Japanese. They are considered almost priceless, with very few ever coming up for sale.
Another Holy Grail card is the Pokémon Illustrator card. These were given out to winners of a Pokémon illustration contest for the Coro Coro magazine in Japan in 1997. Only 39 of these cards were said to be given out, and it is believed that only 6 confirmed cards still exist today. Due to their extreme rarity, these cards have been sold for over $50,000, with some listings reaching easily over $75,000.
The Base Set Pre-Release Raichu card is another lesser-known Holy Grail card. These cards were printed by mistake when Wizards of the Coast were printing the pre-release Clefable for the Jungle expansion. Only 8 to 10 of these cards are said to exist, and they can reach prices of around $10,000.
In 1999, a Pokémon card tournament was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, where a commemorative card called Tropical Mega Battle was given to the first twelve participants. This Japanese trainer card has fetched prices of up to $10,000 in mint condition.
The Japanese Parent and Child TCG Event Kangaskhan card is also highly sought-after. This card was given out as a prize in a tournament held for children and their parents. The card is regarded as some of the best early Pokémon art and has been known to go for $10,000 in the past.
Rare Variants in Booster Packs
Now, let’s move on to the rare variants of cards that can be found in booster packs and other similar means. These cards are still quite valuable due to their rarity. One such variant is the Shadowless cards. The first ever set of Pokémon cards, called the Base Set, had a first edition print that contained a small indicating symbol on the card. These first edition prints are highly sought-after because of their limited quantity. After the initial print run, the company released an unlimited run of the same cards but without the first edition symbol. The Shadowless cards refer to the cards printed before the changes took place. They are considered more valuable than their base set counterparts.
The misprint Crabby card is another rare variant that collectors should look out for. This card is rare due to a small error in the fossil emblem under the right corner of the artwork. It has been sold for over $5000 in the past.
Shining cards are another category of rare variants that were first introduced in the Neo Revelation expansion. These cards have a special shiny color variant of the Pokémon and have a three-star rarity marker instead of the traditional single star. They are also holofoil cards, making them stand out from the rest. Shining cards from the Neo sets can sell for over $40 each, with some, like the Shiny Charizard, going for over $100.
The Crystal cards from the Aquapolis series are also worth mentioning. These cards change the typing and color of the info portion of the card, creating a unique aesthetic. A full set of these cards could potentially sell for up to $10,000.
Where to Find Expensive Pokémon Cards
If you’re looking to find these expensive Pokémon cards, there are a few places you can start your search. Garage sales and online listings from personal sellers can sometimes yield hidden gems. Many stores may not be aware of the value of these cards and may sell them cheaply or include them in bundles with other common cards. Single card stores can also be a goldmine, as they sometimes have valuable cards for sale at low prices. With a little patience and luck, you may find yourself scoring a valuable card for a fraction of its market price.
In conclusion, Pokémon cards can hold significant value, especially if you have some rare variants in your collection. From Holy Grail cards to rare variants found in booster packs, there are plenty of opportunities to make a profit from your old Pokémon cards. So, dust off those binders and boxes, and start searching for potentially valuable cards. Who knows, you may just have a small fortune sitting in your collection!
Let us know if you have any other valuable Pokémon cards that we missed in the comments below. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to our channel for more interesting content. Happy collecting!
