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Pokémon cards continue to be a powerhouse in the hobby world, and the numbers don’t lie—nearly three decades after the first packs were cracked, demand (and prices) are at all-time highs. As of 2025, Pokémon absolutely dominates the graded card scene, with the franchise accounting for 97 of the top 100 most-graded cards at PSA this past June.

So, what are the crown jewels? Here’s a look at the 10 most valuable Pokémon cards of all time, each with a story as fascinating as the price tag:

1. 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Pikachu Illustrator (PSA 10 Gem Mint) — $5,275,000
The Pikachu Illustrator is the undisputed king. Only 51 exist, but just one has achieved PSA 10 status. Logan Paul’s headline-making deal in 2021—trading a PSA 9 plus $4 million in cash—set a record that may stand for years.

2. 1997 Pokémon Japanese Topsun Charizard Blue Back (PSA 10) — $493,230
This rare Charizard came from early gum packs in Japan and set a public auction record in 2021. Its value quickly dropped, though, when it resold for $192,000 just months later—making it the hobby’s biggest known loss.

3. 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Silver Second Tournament No. 2 Trophy Pikachu (PSA 10) — $444,000
Awarded to second-place finishers in Japan’s Lizardon Mega Battle, only eight have been graded by PSA, and trophy cards like this are legendary among collectors.

4. 1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless First Edition Holo Charizard (PSA 10) — $420,000
The face of the hobby. With over 5,000 graded and only 124 perfect PSA 10s, the first edition “Shadowless” Charizard is an icon. Top sales have reached $420,000.

5. Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Hologram (CGC 8.5) — $360,000
One of only two made as test pieces by Wizards of the Coast to win Nintendo’s approval for English cards. The whereabouts of the second are unknown.

6. 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Third Tournament Bronze Third Trophy Pikachu (PSA 10) — $324,000 (tie)
A third-place trophy card awarded at the 1998 Kamex Mega Battle, another ultra-limited Pikachu promo.

6. 1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set Holo Charizard No Rarity, Arita Signed (PSA 10) — $324,000 (tie)
This ultra-early “No Rarity” Charizard was signed by original illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita, making it both historic and unique.

8. 1997 Pokémon Promo Japanese First Gold First Tournament Trophy Pikachu No. 1 — $314,707
The ultimate first-place trophy card, awarded at one of Pokémon’s earliest tournaments.

9. 2017 P.M. SM Black Star #TPCi01 Tsunekazu Ishihara Signed Pokemon GX Promo (PSA 7) — $247,230
Given out only to guests at Pokémon CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara’s birthday party, this promo is as exclusive as they come.

10. 1998 Pokémon Japanese Promo Family Event Trophy Kangaskhan (PSA 10) — $216,000 (tie)
Awarded at the famous “Parent/Child Tournament,” the Kangaskhan Trophy card is a true legend among Pokémon rarities.

10. Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Test Print "Gold Border" Foil (CGC 6.5) — $216,000 (tie)
A rare test print with a Pokémon front and Magic: The Gathering back, used by Wizards of the Coast to pitch the TCG to Nintendo.

From trophy cards to test prints and signed grails, the rarest Pokémon cards are breaking records and making headlines—proof that this hobby shows no signs of slowing down.