What are the 9 most ultra-rare Pokémon cards? Discover the ranking and their staggering prices.
The world of ultra-rare Pokémon cards has captivated collectors and enthusiasts for decades, creating a thriving secondary market. Pokémon, an abbreviation of “pocket monsters,” is derived from the eponymous Japanese video game created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. The game took the world by storm upon its release in 1996, and the Pokémon trading card game (TCG), launched the same year, quickly gained global popularity.
Today, Pokémon cards are used for gameplay and as coveted collectables. Each card features a specific Pokémon with unique abilities and health points, allowing players to engage in strategic battles. With over 9,000 cards released, some ultra-rare Pokémon cards have fetched exorbitant prices, placing them on par with classic collectables like coins and stamps.
Read on for the ranking of the nine most ultra-rare Pokémon cards in the world – you might just have a hidden gem tucked away somewhere in your home.
What makes Pokémon cards ultra rare and valuable?
Several factors contribute to the rarity of these Pokémon cards. Primarily, it’s their history. Due to their limited production, cards released during special events, exclusive tournaments, or anniversaries tend to be more valuable.
Condition is also crucial. Cards in mint condition, graded “gem mint”, or highly rated by grading services like PSA or Beckett, can command much higher prices than those showing wear and tear.
Like stamps, printing errors can turn an ordinary card into a valuable collectable. These “defects,” such as missing shadows, typos, or altered colours, can be subtle, making them particularly intriguing to avid collectors who know these ultra-rare Pokémon cards by heart.
Lastly, the value of the cards also depends on the Pokémon depicted. Iconic Pokémon like Charizard or Pikachu tend to have higher-valued cards simply because they are more sought after and beloved by fans.
In recent years, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have mirrored the scarcity and rarity of traditional collectables. From stamps and coins to trading cards, clothing, musical instruments, and finally, unique digital assets, the world of collecting continues to evolve. Are NFTs poised to become the new frontier in this domain?
Discover the world of digital assets
The ranking of the 9 most ultra-rare Pokémon cards in the world
9. Kangaskhan family event trophy
This card, released in 1998, celebrates family teamwork in TCG battles. Its symbolic importance and rarity give it a value of $150,000.
8. Umbreon gold star holo
This rare card, featuring a holographic Umbreon, was distributed in 2005 to Japanese Players Club members who had accumulated over 70,000 points. Due to its exclusivity and striking design, it is valued at around $180,000.
7. Ishihara GX promo card (autographed)
This unique card was issued in 2017 to commemorate the 60th birthday of Tsunekazu Ishihara, founder of the Pokémon franchise. Exclusively given to company staff and autographed by Ishihara, it has reached an astonishing value of $247,230, making it one of the most coveted cards by collectors.
6. Snap Pikachu
This rare card from 1999 was the prize in a contest associated with the Pokémon Snap game. Only one copy exists, and it is valued at approximately $270,000.
5. Trophy Pikachu N. 3 trainer bronze
This trophy card, given to the top three winners of the first Pokémon tournament in Japan in 1997, holds significant historical value. Auctioned for an impressive $300,000, it represents one of the first official competition prizes.
4. Trophy Pikachu N. 2 trainer silver
Released in 1998, this trophy card celebrates one of Japan’s early competitive Pokémon card events. Its value reflects its rarity and historical significance.
3. Blastoise Wizards of the Coast presentation galaxy star holo
Created in 1998 as a preview for Wizards of the Coast’s TCG line, this card is extremely rare, with only two known copies. Its scarcity and special status confer a value of $360,000.
2. Charizard Base Set Shadowless 1st edition
This rare Pokémon card from 1999 became famous due to a printing error, lacking the typical shadowing of its more common counterparts. This makes it one of the most desired cards among collectors, with a value reaching $420,000.
1. Pikachu-Holo Illustrator
Distributed to fewer than 20 illustrators as a prize in an art competition 1998, this card is the most valuable and rarest in the world. Due to its extreme rarity and historical significance, it is considered the holy grail of Pokémon cards, with the value of one, perhaps the last in mint condition, estimated at $6 million.
Now that you know which are the 9 most ultra-rare Pokémon cards in the world, it’s time to turn your house, garage, and attic upside down to see if you might have owned one!
