The 20 best Pokémon cards of all time, ranked

Whenever a Pokémon card collector looks for the best cards in the game, they’re faced with a large hoard of Charizards that cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Although there are a couple of Charizards in this list, you’ll find a great variety of the best Pokémon cards ever.

Values correct as of Feb. 2025 on the Collectr app or eBay solds.

The top collectible Pokémon cards of all time (ranking criteria explained)

Before continuing, readers should know that these cards were chosen first by their monetary value, and then by their design. The final list may not match up to your own opinions as a collector, as I have included my personal thoughts on each card, its price, design, and considered its rarity and popularity in the TCG community.

20. 1st Edition Shining Charizard #107/105, Neo Destiny (2002)

Part of the fourth expansion of cards in the Neo Series, the 1st Edition Shining Charizard is worth $1,765 in good condition. Its price has jumped around a lot in the last 12 months—most notably, it was worth $4,000 between March and July of 2024 (according to Collectr, which is one of the preferred apps for collectors to use now). Graded at a PSA 10, this card fetches over $11,000.

This is a really unique design for a Charizard card. There are few “Shining” cards as it is—Shining Pokémon were first introduced in the Neo Series to show off Pokémon that had alternative colorways. This isn’t a shadowed Charizard, it’s a dark blue/indigo one. Today, there are 20 Shining Pokémon cards across various sets, with the most recent being the Shining Magikarp from the Celebrations set.

19. Shining Mewtwo #150, Neo 4 (Japanese) (2001)

Another of the 20 Shining Pokémon, this Shining Mewtwo comes from the Neo 4 set (the Japanese version of the Neo Destiny set). The Japanese card is worth more than the English one, but not by a hugely significant amount—the Japanese card is $977, while the English is $866.

The reason I prefer the Japanese card is because the art is darker and more thematic. The Engish Neo Destiny Shining Mewtwo is lighter in color (both the card art and the purple used to represent that it’s a Psychic Pokémon). Japanese cards are often of higher quality in my experience, too.

18. Charizard #146/144, Skyridge (2003)

The only Charizard that fetches more than an ungraded 1st Edition Base Set Charizard does, the Skyridge Charizard is really reminiscent of how he’s drawn in the manga and anime. This nostalgic style is great for Charizard fans, though you’ll need to be willing to spend around $7,950 to add one to your collection.

The Skyridge set was the last set created by Wizards of the Coast before they lost their license and there was only ever one print of the set distributed.

17. 1st Edition Gold Star Rayquaza #67/82, Clash of the Blue Sky (Japanese) (2004)

From the Japanese version of the EX Deoxys set, Gold Star Rayquaza is a majestic card featuring one of Generation III’s Legendary Pokémon. The claw of Rayquaza reaching out is similar to the card art for the Skyridge Charizard, and it’s a rather dynamic pose.

Unlike Shining Mewtwo, the Gold Star Rayquaza has a huge price difference between the Japanese and English versions of the card. A Japanese 1st Edition Gold Star Rayquaza costs around $1,860 raw, but there is no 1st Edition version of the card in English. This is because the English version of the set never released any 1st Edition versions of the cards, while Japan released their set in 1st Edition and unlimited.

16. Gold Star Latios #106/107, EX Deoxys (2005)

Although the Gold Star Latios is a part of the same set as Rayquaza, I went for the English version of the card from EX Deoxys for this entry in the list. Though the Japanese Gold Star Latios looks sharper, the card has high contrast and doesn’t look as smooth as this version. The English Gold Star Latios is also a solid $300 cheaper to buy raw and it’s still a sought-after card because of its Gold Star status.

15. Gold Star Espeon #16/17, POP Series 5 (2007)

In Feb. 2024, the Gold Star Espeon was being sold raw for around $5,000. Thankfully, that price has dropped to a more reasonable $1,677 (reasonable by rare Pokémon card standards). I love the design of the POP series, but this Espeon art really stands out by showing Espeon in a running pose instead of sitting primly like so many of her cards do. The Shiny version of Espeon is also a great choice to contrast the purple of her type.

POP, now known as Play! Pokémon is an official gathering of Pokémon players who come together to compete in the Pokémon card and video games. There were nine POP sets in total, and you could only get the packs by competing in events until the Pokémon League stopped distributing them in 2009.

14. Gold Star Umbreon #17/17, POP Series 5 (2007)

Belonging to the same set as the Espeon above, this Shiny Umbreon is another great example of the amazing art that came out of the POP series. Released in 2007, Gold Star Umbreon was the last card in the Series 5 set.

Interestingly, when Celebrations was released, this card was released as a part of it, but Espeon was not. There’s a huge difference in price between the original POP Series 5 Umbreon and the Celebrations one, though. POP Series 5 Umbreon will set you back $1,855, while the reprinted card sells for just $44.

13. Ash’s Pikachu #071, Sun & Moon Promo (Japanese) (2017)

There are seven standard-sized Ash’s Pikachu cards in the Japanese Sun & Moon Promos. They are numbered from 071/SM-P to 076/SM-P, with the seventh card listed a little later at number 086/SM-P. The first six Ash’s Pikachu cards were part of the Ash’s Pikachu GET Campaign, while the seventh was included in the Ho-Oh-GX Special Jumbo Card Pack. The special pack was released on July 1, 2017, before the Japanese release of I Choose You! in cinemas.

The card above is the most nostalgic of the Ash’s Pikachu cards for me because Pikachu is wearing Ash’s first hat from the anime, The price of these cards does swing up and down quite a lot, but this one recently sold for $50 raw. Because of its low price and nostalgic value, this is one of the best Pokémon cards ever in my opinion.

12. Arceus, CoroCoro Ichiban! Winner (Japanese) (2009)

This Arceus card design was one of the 2009 CoroCoro Ichiban! Pokémon card design contest winners. Only 100 copies of the card are in circulation, but there are 12 other Pokémon card designs from the same contest. The contest was run to promote the 12th Pokemon movie: Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life, and 12 magazines allowed readers to take part in the contest. All 12 magazines were owned by Shogakukan, who are the publisher of Pokémon Adventures and CoroCoro Comics.

As Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life featured Arecues and introduced fans to a spiky-eared Pichu, the contest centered around those two Pokémon. In total, there are seven Arceus cards and six Pichu cards. According to the PSA population report, only 22 of the 100 CoroCoro Comics Arceus cards are graded with them, and the card is extremely difficult to find online. I could not find a raw version of this card on eBay, and there are only four PSA-graded cards on there—ranging from $12,998.00 to $19,998.00.

11. Luigi Pikachu #296, XY Promo (Japanese) (2016)

Though this is the Full Art XY Promo card, there was also a regular version of this card released with the usual Electric-type Pokémon background and a Pikachu dressed as Luigi for the card art. Both cards came from the Luigi Pikachu Special Box that was released on October 29, 2016. They are very sought-after and I rarely see the cards—graded or raw—for sale in the many, many, many Pokémon Facebook groups I’m a member of.

An ungraded Luigi Pikachu goes for anywhere between $1,800 and $2,000, though the price for it was lower late last year, with one card selling for $1,000 and others selling around $1,500—$1,600. A recent (Feb. 9, 2025) PSA 10 copy of the card sold on eBay for $4,850.

10. Mario Pikachu #294, XY Promo (Japanese) (2016)

Like the Luigi Pikachu, the Mario Pikachu has both a regular and a Full Art version of the card. For entry 10 of this list, I’m strictly looking at the Full Art card, available from the Mario Pikachu Special Box released on the same day as the Luigi one.

If you look into the pricing history, it’s clear that Mario Pikachu sells for more than the Luigi Pikachu does. This isn’t surprising, Mario has always been more popular than Luigi and is the frontman for the entire Mario series. In December 2024, an ungraded Mario Pikachu sold for $3,050, which is the highest in the card’s history on Collectr (dating back to 2022). A PSA 10 of the card was sold on Feb. 5, 2025, for $8,500. Luigi and Mario Pikachu are definitely two of the top collectible Pokémon cards!

9. Mega Tokyo’s Pikachu #204, XY Promo (Japanese) (2016)

I just think this card is so fun to look at, and it’s high-value to boot! This XY Promo card is Mega Tokyo’s Pikachu, which was awarded to participants of the Pokémon Center Mega Battle + Creatures Challenge, held at all Pokémon Centers in Japan on Jan. 16 and 17, 2016. There are 960 copies of the card in circulation.

A lot of “custom” versions of this card (fake, handmade) exist, which has skewed the market history for the card. However, a PSA 10 of the card did sell on eBay on Jan. 14, 2025, for $3,200.00.

8. Poncho-Wear Pikachu #208, XY Promo (Japanese) (2016)

I may dislike Charizard cards, but I love this Poncho-Wear Pikachu from the Japanese XY Promos. Pricing is all over the shop for it, though—again, because of the replica/custom/fake cards that exist that have copied the design.

A raw version of the card typically goes for around $240, sealed for $2,500, and PSA 10 for over $4,000.

7. Here Comes Team Rocket! #278, XY Promo (Japanese) (2017)

A beautifully designed Full Art card that is a perfect modern twist on the original Here Comes Team Rocket Trainer card from the 1997 Rocket Gang set. Unfortunately, it’s another Full Art that has fakes knocking around online.

This XY Promo was released in 2017 in the 20th Anniversary Team Rocket Special Case. The case was the final item released during the XY era, and could only be purchased from Pokémon Center Online as part of a make-to-order run, with each case costing ¥12,000 (plus tax). Today, you can expect to find a PSA 10 of this card on eBay for between $15,000 and $20,000.

6. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat #85, Van Gogh Museum collaboration (2023)

Bearing witness to the absolute chaos that was the 2023 Pokémon x Van Gogh collaboration was… Definitely something. The museum had to stop distributing the card because fans were going a bit bonkers over it and the stock for the event kept running out. Once that happened, Pokémon posted on their socials that the card would be available with orders over $30 made through the Pokémon Center.

An ungraded Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat has a recent price history on eBay of between $210 and $600.

5. 1st Edition Charizard #4/102, Base Set (1999)

Good luck ever getting your hands on a PSA 10 1st Edition Base Set Charizard. The value of this card at PSA 10 could literally be your deposit on a mortgage, depending on the housing prices in your area. For example, one sold on Feb. 9, 2025, for $12,063.36. If you’re buying a raw version, you’re in luck—you can find them for a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand.

The age of the Base Set cards makes them difficult to find in good condition. There are just 125 PSA 10 versions of this card, and it is, without a doubt, the most expensive of the Base Set cards. Although many think this is one of the best Pokémon cards ever, I just can’t agree with that. One of the rarest, sure, and certainly one of the top collectible Pokémon.

4. Alola Friends #401, Sun & Moon Promo (Japanese) (2019)

Alola was one of the best additions to the world of Pokémon, bringing a new land full of culture and tweaking Pokémon designs to fit the area. This card really captures some of the main Alola characters in Pokémon, showing off a sparkling celebration with blooming fireworks in the sky. It just makes me feel happy.

The raw Japanese version of Alola Friends is valued at around $800-$1,800, though there is a Chinese version that you can buy for less. The card was available in the Limited Collection Master Battle Set, which could be brought from Pokémon Centers and the Pokémon Center Online back in 2019.

3. Pikachu ex #238/191, Surging Sparks (2024)

An absolutely gorgeous Pikachu card that is unlike anything I’ve seen from Pikachu cards before. I think this card really captures the heart of Pikachu, particularly if you’re thinking about Ash’s Pikachu. Resolute Heart is a skill fans have seen Ash’s Pikachu perform before; coming back from the brink of being knocked out to keep battling and win! A great card to gift to your other half, perhaps for Valentine’s Day?

The set is still recent, so the price of this Pikachu ex card from Surging Sparks isn’t too ridiculous. You can pick one up raw for around $400.

2. Umbreon VMAX #215/203, Evolving Skies (2021)

This Special Illustration rare is the chase card for the Evolving Skies set. Even in 2025, there are still collectors buying Evolving Skies packs to try and find this card. It doesn’t seem to matter which language it’s in, the Moonbreon is sacred.

The English version of Umbreon VMAX (Alternative Full Art) from Evolving Skies costs $900-$1,599 raw, but can be as high as $3,000 for a PSA 10.

1. Umbreon ex #161/131, Prismatic Evolutions (2025)

All hail King Umbreon! Prismatic Evolutions was released on Jan. 17, 2025, making it the first set of the year. It has plenty of gorgeous card art, with many of the Special Illustration cards leaning into this crystal design that you can see on the Umbreon card above. Umbreon became the chase card for this set just as it did for Evolving Skies, and it’s nice to see collectors moving away from Charizard because the market was getting ridiculous.

If you want your own Prismatic Evolutions Umbreon ex, you’ll be looking at upwards of $1,000. Recent solds are anywhere between $1,020 and $1,923 for the raw card.

Expert tips for Pokémon collectors

Getting into Pokémon card collecting is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when you’re staring at price tags that make your wallet cry. Here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

• Know the market. Pokémon card values fluctuate constantly. A card that’s worth $500 today might sell for double or half that in six months. Tracking sites like Collectr can help you stay updated.
• Condition is everything. The difference between a card graded PSA 9 and PSA 10 can be thousands of dollars. If you’re buying high-value cards, always check the condition and consider getting them graded.
• Sealed products hold value. While single cards can spike in price, sealed booster boxes, packs, and promo sets tend to appreciate over time. If you can resist opening them (easier said than done), they can be great long-term investments.
• Be wary of fakes. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake Pokémon cards are everywhere, especially online. Learn to spot fake holo patterns, incorrect fonts, and suspiciously cheap listings.
• Collect what you love. Yes, some cards are worth thousands, but chasing only valuable ones can take the fun out of collecting. Some of the most satisfying collections are built on personal favorites rather than price tags.

What is the most valuable Pokémon card?

The most valuable Pokémon card ever sold is the Pikachu Illustrator card, valued at a staggering $5.275 million in 2022 when Logan Paul bought a PSA 10 copy. This promotional card was awarded to winners of an illustration contest in Japan in 1998, with only 39 copies believed to exist.

Must-have Pokémon cards for collectors

If you’re looking to build a well-rounded collection, there are a few must-have cards that every serious collector should consider:

• Charizard (Base Set, 1999) – The card that started it all for many collectors, especially if you can get the coveted 1st Edition Shadowless version shown in this list at number five.
• Shining Magikarp (Neo Revelation, 2001) – One of the first “Shining” Pokémon cards, featuring an alternate-colored Magikarp long before Shiny Pokémon became a game staple.
• Gold Star Espeon & Umbreon (POP Series 5, 2007) – Some of the rarest and most valuable Eeveelution cards, show at number 14 and 15 in this list.
• Mewtwo GX (Shining Legends, 2017) – Featuring Mewtwo in a test tube, this full-art card has one of the coolest designs in the TCG that echoes the first time we met Mewtwo on the big screen.
• Ancient Mew (Promo, 2000) – Not valuable in price, but an iconic card thanks to its mysterious runic text and Pokémon: The Movie 2000 promo origins.

Where to find rare Pokémon cards

Finding rare Pokémon cards is half the fun, but it takes patience (and sometimes a bit of luck). Here’s where to look:

• Local card shops and conventions: Many hobby shops sell individual Pokémon cards, and conventions are great places to find rare cards and meet other collectors.
• Online marketplaces: eBay, TCGPlayer, and PWCC Auctions are top sites for rare Pokémon cards—but always check seller reviews and card conditions before purchasing.
• Pokémon Center & official events: Special promos and exclusive cards are often available at official Pokémon events and stores.
• Garage sales & flea markets: Occasionally, you’ll stumble upon someone selling a childhood collection for cheap. It’s rare, but worth checking!

Tips for starting a Pokémon card collection

New to collecting? Here are a few tips to get started without breaking the bank:

• Set a budget. Pokémon cards can get expensive fast. Decide if you’re collecting casually or as an investment, and budget accordingly.
• Pick a theme. Instead of buying random cards, consider focusing on a specific set, Pokémon species, or type (for example, Shiny Pokémon, Full Art cards, or only Gen I Pokémon).
• Protect your cards. Use sleeves, binders, and top loaders to keep your collection in good shape. A scratched or bent card loses value instantly.
• Learn about grading. PSA, BGS, and CGC are the major grading companies. Even if you don’t plan to grade your cards, understanding what makes a card valuable is important.

Whether you’re in it for nostalgia, investment, or just the thrill of the hunt, Pokémon doesn’t have to be a super expensive hobby. I have a small collection of Jirachi cards just because he’s my favorite Legendary Pokémon. Why not start out with one of your favorites?