Curiosities from the Financial, Economic, and Crypto Worlds

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?

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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!

Which are the richest countries in the world? Discover the ranking.

To compile the ranking of the world’s richest countries, the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) per capita is one of the most effective and widely used parameters to measure a country’s wealth. This indicator represents the total value of goods and services produced in a country in a year, divided by the number of inhabitants. A high GDP per capita indicates greater economic productivity and a higher standard of living for the citizens of that country.

In the global economy, wealth is distributed unevenly, with some countries boasting an extremely high GDP per capita. The economies of these states are often characterised by advanced industrial sectors, strong technological innovation, and a high level of education.

But let’s get back to the central theme of this article: which are the richest countries in the world? Here is the updated ranking for 2024.

The Richest Countries in the World Ranking

Here is the ranking of countries with the highest GDP per capita in 2024, based on data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Some advanced economies have long been active in the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology sector. Luxembourg and Singapore, for example, are known for being innovative financial hubs that are actively exploring this world. Knowing Bitcoin and other major cryptos could be an opportunity to emerge in an increasingly digitalised global economic context.

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1. Luxembourg ($140,000)

With a GDP per capita of about $140,000, Luxembourg ranks first among the richest countries in the world. A robust financial sector and a significant and constant influx of foreign capital characterise its economy.

2. Ireland ($110,000)

Ireland is in second place, with a GDP per capita of around $110,000. Its success is largely due to the presence of the headquarters of European tech and pharmaceutical multinationals. This country has attracted many successful companies in recent years thanks to a favourable tax situation.

3. Switzerland ($106,000)

Switzerland is known for its high quality of life and the efficiency of services provided by both public entities and private companies. Additionally, the country excels in the finance and industrial sectors.

4. Norway ($96,000)

In fourth place among the richest countries in the world is Norway, primarily due to the natural resources present in the territory, particularly oil and gas. Norwegian companies are also highly developed and leading worldwide in several fields, thanks partly to the significant work done by Norwegian researchers.

5. Qatar ($90,000)

Qatar owes its wealth to its enormous oil and natural gas reserves, accounting for about 13% of the world’s reserves.

6. Singapore ($87,000)

Singapore is a global financial and commercial hub with a strong economy based on financial services, advanced technologies, and international trade. Many underestimate the impact of the city-state’s shipping industry, favoured by its geographical position at the centre of important East-West routes.

7. United States ($84,000)

The United States is seventh among the richest countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of $84,201. The US is still one of the most powerful economies in the world, driven by its enormous domestic market fueled by the largest tech, financial, and industrial companies.

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8. Iceland ($80,000)

The strength of the Icelandic economy derives primarily from tourism, fishing, and renewable energy production. This state is among the best places to live, ranking high in almost all quality-of-life indices.

9. United Arab Emirates ($76,000)

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most dynamic economies in the Middle East. Its wealth comes primarily from oil but also from the significant development of tourism and the financial sector in recent years.

The ranking of the richest countries in the world provides an interesting snapshot of how global wealth is distributed. These countries boast a high GDP per capita and often offer a high quality of life, with access to advanced services, modern infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

If you want to learn more about the global economy and the factors that influence a country’s wealth, follow us for insights.

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The 9 most expensive ultra rare pokémon cards in the world