Most valuable Pokémon card collection

The most valuable Pokémon card collection is owned by Gary Haase (USA) and is worth an estimated $10,000,000 (£8,345,000.00).

Gary has always been a collector of random items including bottle caps, comic books and trading cards. He has sold cards to the likes of celebrities such as Logan Paul and Steve Aoki.

History of Pokémon Trading Cards

The Early Days

Back in 1996, the first Pokémon cards ever made were sold individually in vending machines across Japan. As the demand for them increased, exclusive promo cards were distributed alongside CoroCoro magazine, and by 20 October 1996, Pokémon launched the first official set. This 102-card set, famously referred to as the ‘Expansion Pack’ or the ‘Base Set’, featured 16 holographic designs, including the most iconic Charizard card.

The Rise of Pokémon

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) soon became a smash hit in Japan. By 1999, the games publisher, Wizards of The Coast, introduced it to North America, and the cards became a global success shortly after this. The TCG became so popular that it even sparked the creation of two affiliated Game Boy Color video games: Pokémon Trading Card Game (1998) and Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR! (2001).

Modern-Day Collecting

Pokémon cards remain highly popular today, with fans avidly expanding their collections, trading cards online and eagerly waiting for new sets to be released. And as gaming continues to be one of the most common hobbies, video games are still being developed to complement the TCG. In February 2024, it was announced that a mobile game for Android and iOS called Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket would be released later in the year. It will enable players to trade exclusive digital cards with each other and open two new booster packs daily at no cost.

Key Factors that Determine Card Value

1. Rarity and Edition

Iconic packs such as the original ‘Base Set’ or those like the ‘Legendary Collection’ with an abundance of top-tier cards can be sold for premium prices. Additionally, rare misprints can also be very expensive as many collectors are keen to own these unique cards, no matter the cost.

2. Condition and Grading

Just like with any valuables, cards that have been looked after will be more expensive. Collectors normally have their cards graded for protection. This means that they will be contained in a clear case with a label stating their edition, card type and condition out of 10, indicating their worth. Graded cards also undergo authenticity checks to ensure they are genuine Pokémon products.  

3. Popularity and Demand

The value of a card often depends on the character depicted on it. For example, beloved characters like Pikachu, Charizard and Gengar, are highly sought after and can therefore fetch higher prices. Additionally, value can be impacted by the power levels of each character. The cards capable of winning games hold greater worth.

Most Valuable Pokémon Cards in the World

Pikachu Illustrator

The most expensive Pokémon card of all time is the Pikachu Illustrator. Only 39 of the promo cards were printed and they were originally given out to the winners of a drawing contest, hosted by CoroCoro Magazine. The cards were designed by Atsuko Nishida, who is best known for creating Pikachu. As of July 2022, the grading company PSA had examined 20 of the 39 cards, only one of which was in perfect condition, meaning there are still 19 of these cards waiting to be graded.

Topsun Charizard Blue Back

It’s hard to believe that one of the most valuable Pokémon cards could originally be found in boxes of gum back in the 1990s. These blue-backed collectables were created by Topsun, who were responsible for making some of the earliest Pokémon cards. The “1995” cards are in high demand partially because of their name, which refers to their initial copyright year instead of their year of release (1997).

Trophy Pikachu Silver 2nd Tournament

The Trophy Pikachu cards were given out at the Lizardron Mega Battle, the second international Pokémon TCG tournament which was held in Chiba, Japan, in April 1998. It is believed that 14 of these cards exist, but only four have been found.

Base Set Charizard Holographic (First Edition) (Shadowless)

There are many elements that make this one of the rarest cards ever to exist. Not only is it from the first edition of the ‘Base Set’, but it is also holographic and shadowless, indicating that it is from one of the first two print runs.

Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star Holographic

Collectors are unsure how many of these cards were made, but it is rumoured that only a couple exist. They were commissioned in 1998 by Wizards of The Coast as part of a test pack to reveal what English Pokémon cards could look like before they were released worldwide.

Notable Pokémon Card Collectors

Gary "King Pokémon" Haase

Gary "King Pokémon" Haase, a 70-year-old father of three from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, began collecting items such as Coke bottle caps when he was a child. In the late 1960s, he developed a passion for trading card games and would collect all the sets based on popular TV shows from that time, including The Addams Family and The Munsters. In 1998, Gary began his Pokémon card collection. He would import them from Japan before they were available to buy in America. His lifelong love for collecting has allowed him to fill three storage lockers in three different states, and he has no plans of stopping anytime soon.

Logan Paul

Social media star and wrestler Logan Paul (USA) owns the most expensive Pokémon trading card sold at a private sale: a PSA Gem Mint 10 Pikachu Illustrator card which he purchased for $5,275,000 (£3,862,424 / €4,477,146) in Dubai on 22 July 2021.

As a dedicated Pokémon fan, Logan was determined to get his hands on this card, the only grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator in existence. He also owns a PSA 10 First Edition Charizard which he purchased from Gary Haase for $150,000 (£116,129 / €138,021) in 2020.

Owen Gray

As of 11 July 2024, Owen Gray (UK) from Harlow, Essex, UK, owned the largest collection of Pokémon cards, totalling at 48,339. He surpassed the previous mark of 34,310, which was set by Benjamin DeGuire (USA) from Kensington, Maryland, USA, in December 2023. Owen’s collection includes cards from each set, most of which he has nearly completed.

Tips for Aspiring Pokémon Card Collectors

How to Start Your Collection

When starting a collection, it’s important to know your reason for pursuing those items: is it for fun or financial gain? This decision will help you decide on the budget. It’s also crucial to consider where you’ll store your collection. Once you have a plan in place, you can start building your collection at a pace that suits you best. Will you “catch ‘em all”?

Where to Buy and Sell Pokémon Cards

You can buy Pokémon cards online or in stores worldwide, including your local supermarket. To increase your chances of finding an ultra-rare, expensive card, visit websites such as eBay, Chaos Cards and Magic Madhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are “1995” Pokémon cards worth it?

Cards that are labelled “1995” were distributed in Japan in 1997 and refer to the year they were copyrighted. The highest selling “1995” card is the only Grade 10 Topsun Charizard Blue Back in existence. It sold for $493,230 (£381,999 / €453,840) at auction in January 2021.  

Is there a 2-million-dollar Pokémon card?

Yes. On 14 December 2023, a 1998 PSA 9 Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $2 million (£1,548,410 / €1,839,940) on the auction site, Goldin.

What is the weakest Pokémon?

Caterpie and Wishiwashi (in solo form) are the weakest characters, with total base stats of just 175. These figures are calculated by combining a character’s HP (Hit Points), Attack, Defence, Special Attack, Special Defence, and Speed scores.

Why are Charizard cards so expensive?

Charizard cards have high price points due to their rarity, demand and popularity amongst fans. Like Pikachu, Charizard is a staple character in the Pokémon world. He is known for being a symbol of power and destruction.