The 10 Most Expensive McDonald’s Pokémon Cards

In the past years, McDonald’s has teamed up with The Pokemon Company to release a series of limited edition Pokémon trading cards.

These promotional cards, featuring beloved characters from the iconic franchise, have become highly sought-after among collectors and fans alike. In this article, we will look at the 10 most expensive McDonald’s Pokémon cards and provide some background on this popular promotional partnership.

What Are McDonald’s Pokémon Cards Promos?

McDonald’s Pokémon card promos are a set of limited edition cards that were distributed by McDonald’s as part of their Happy Meal promotion. These cards feature various Pokemon characters.

McDonald’s has worked with the Pokémon company several times in the past to release these promotional cards, with the first set being released in 1998 in Japan. Since then, McDonald’s has released several promotional cards in various countries, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

McDonald’s started partnering with the Pokémon company in 2011, releasing a series of toys and trading cards to promote the launch of the Pokémon Black and White video games. Since then, the two companies have collaborated on several occasions, with McDonald’s releasing new sets of promotional cards every few years.

The most recent McDonald’s Pokémon card promo was released in 2021 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, featuring cards from the Sword and Shield expansion. This set included 25 cards, each featuring a different Pokémon character, and was only available for a limited time at participating McDonald’s locations.

McDonald’s and Pokémon teamed up for a Happy Meal promotion, which was officially announced on August 21, 2022. This latest partnership came after the massive success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which was released in January 2022, and with more games set to be released by Pokémon.

The promotion, which ran from August 23 to September 6, features a variety of Pokémon-themed items. Each Happy Meal comes with a four-card booster pack, a Pokémon-themed coin, a spinner, and an instruction sheet on how to play a Match Battle, which is designed to teach kids more about the trading card game.

Now without further ado, let’s get into the list.

10. 2021 Pikachu Holo Pokémon McDonald’s Collection 25th Anniversary Card – $175

Pikachu cards are among Pokémon’s most expensive, top-rated, and highly sought-after cards. The Pikachu Holo Pokémon McDonald’s Collection 25th Anniversary Card was released in 2021 as part of a special collection celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise.

The card features a holographic image of Pikachu, with a colorful border featuring various Pokémon characters and the McDonald’s logo. The card’s design is modern and sleek, with a bold and vibrant color palette that captures the spirit of the Pokémon franchise.

The holographic effect on the card also adds an extra layer of depth and dimension to the design, making it a must-have item for Pokémon and McDonald’s collectors alike. This card is valued at $175 in a PSA 10.

2021 Pikachu Holo Pokémon McDonald’s Collection 25th Anniversary Card

9. 2021 Turtwig, Holo Card – $200

Turtwig is a grass-type starter Pokémon from the Sinnoh region and is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. The Turtwig Holo card was released as part of the Diamond and Pearl expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $200 when graded as a PSA 10.

The design of this card features Turtwig in a charming and playful pose, making it a favorite among collectors.

The card shows Turtwig standing in a grassy field with a bright and sunny background behind it. The holographic effect creates a shimmering quality to the card, making Turtwig appear as though it is basking in the sunlight.

2021 Turtwig 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

8. 2001 Japanese Limited Promo Holo Pikachu McDonalds Card – $200

The Japanese Limited Promo Holo Pikachu Mcdonald’s card was released in Japan in 2001 as part of a limited-time promotion at McDonald’s.

The card features a holographic image of Pikachu, the iconic mascot of the Pokémon franchise, with a vibrant purple background.

The artwork on the card is classic and timeless, with Pikachu’s playful and mischievous personality shining through. The holographic effect also adds an extra element of depth and dimension to the design, making it a valuable and desirable collectible for Pokémon fans. When graded 10 by PSA, this card will be worth $200.

2001 Japanese Limited Promo Holo Pikachu McDonalds Card

7. 2021 Scorbunny, Holo Card – $206

Scorbunny is a fire-type starter Pokémon from the Galar region, and it is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. This card was released as part of the Sword and Shield expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $206 when graded as a PSA 10.

The design of this card features Scorbunny in a dynamic pose with flames in the background, making it a highly desirable addition to any collection. The card shows Scorbunny leaping into action, with a bright and fiery background behind it. The holographic effect creates a flickering, flame-like quality to the card, making it a standout addition to any collection.

2021 Scorbunny 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

6. 2002 Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu Card – $220

This charming Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu card features the adorable electric-type Pokémon Pichu, with a bright yellow background and the McDonald’s logo in the lower left corner. The card was released in Japan in 2002 as part of a McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion.

The artwork on the card is bright and cheerful, with Pichu’s cute and playful personality shining through. The holographic effect on the card also adds an extra element of sparkle and shine, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors.

The 2002 Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu Card has been valued at $220 in a PSA 10 grade condition.

2002 Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu Card

5. 2021 Snivy, Holo Card – $232

Snivy is a grass-type starter Pokémon from the Unova region and is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. The Snivy Holo card was released as part of the Black and White expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $232 when graded as a PSA 10.

The card features Snivy standing in a grassy field with a leafy background behind it. The holographic effect adds a shimmering quality to the card, making Snivy appear as though it is swaying in the breeze. The unique design of this card, featuring Snivy in a dynamic pose, has made it particularly desirable among collectors.

2021 Snivy 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

4. 2002 Larvitar Holo McDonald’s Japanese Pokémon Card – $236

This card was also released in Japan in 2002 as part of a McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion. The card features a holographic image of the Pokémon Larvitar, with a bright blue background and the iconic golden arches of McDonald’s in the upper right corner.

The card’s design is simple but effective, with a bold and colorful image of the popular Pokémon character. The holographic effect on the card also gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

The 2002 Larvitar Holo McDonald’s Japanese Pokémon Card is valued at $236 in PSA 10 grade conditions.

2002 Larvitar Holo McDonald’s Japanese Pokémon Card

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3. 2001 Grass Energy Japanese Promo Card – $249

This is another Japanese card that is worth $249 in a PSA 10-grade condition. The Pokémon Grass Energy Japanese Promo card was released in Japan in 2001 as a promotional item in McDonald’s Happy Meals.

This beautiful card features a lush green forest with a stylized design of a grass symbol in the center. The artwork on this card is quite striking, with intricate details on the trees and leaves, as well as the Pokémon logo in the top left corner.

The holographic effect also adds an extra element of depth and dimension to the design, making it a highly desirable collectible for Pokémon and McDonald’s enthusiasts alike.

2001 Grass Energy Japanese Promo Card

2. 2021 Chespin, Holo Card – $400

Chespin is a grass-type starter Pokémon from the Kalos region, and it is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. The Chespin Holo card was released as part of the XY expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $400 when graded as a PSA 10.

The card features Chespin standing in a grassy field with a bright and colorful background behind it. The holographic effect creates a shimmering, almost iridescent quality to the card, adding to its overall appeal and value.

Chespin is a popular and beloved Pokémon, and this card’s rarity and unique design have made it highly sought after by collectors.

2021 Chespin 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

1. 2002 Pokémon Japanese McDonald’s Holo Charmander #004 – $760

One of the most expensive cards by McDonald’s and Pokémon is the 2002 Pokémon Japanese McDonald’s Holo Charmander #004 card. This particular card recently sold for $760 in a PSA 10 grade, making it one of the most valuable McDonald’s Pokémon cards to date.

The card was released in Japan in 2002 as part of a McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion.

This card features a holographic image of Charmander, one of the most popular Pokémon from the first generation of the franchise. The card’s design is bold and colorful, with Charmander’s fierce and fiery personality shining through. The holographic effect on the card also adds an extra layer of depth and sparkle, making it a highly coveted item for collectors.

2002 Pokémon Japanese McDonald’s Holo Charmander #004

Why McDonald’s Pokémon Cards Are Valuable

The McDonald’s Pokémon cards have gained immense value due to various reasons. First, they are often only available for a short period of time and in limited quantities. Secondly, certain cards are exclusively available in specific countries, adding to their rarity and value.

Another factor that contributes to the value of these cards is their condition. Collectors often seek out cards that are in mint or near-mint condition, which means that they have not been damaged or played with. Cards that have been professionally graded by organizations such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) can also command higher prices.

In recent years, the value of these cards has surged dramatically, with some rare cards selling for hundreds of dollars. Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all McDonald’s Pokémon cards hold high value, and their worth depends on aspects such as rarity, condition, and popularity among collectors.

Despite their high market value, these McDonald’s Pokémon cards still hold sentimental value for many collectors. They signify a distinctive collaboration between two famous brands and remind us of the lasting popularity of the Pokémon franchise.

FAQs

1. Does Pokémon still collaborate with McDonald’s?

Yes, the two companies are still in collaboration, making exclusive Pokémon cards for McDoanld’s happy meals. The most recent partnership was in September 2021, when McDoanld’s released a variety of Pokémon-themed items.

2. What are McDonald’s Pokémon cards worth?

McDonald’s Pokémon cards are a hot commodity. The value of McDonald’s Pokémon cards varies depending on the specific card and its condition. They generally range in value anywhere from $1.21 to $25.

3. What are holographic and non-holographic cards?

Holographic cards are shiny and have a reflective foil layer that creates a hologram effect. Non-holographic cards do not have this foil layer and are usually less shiny.

There are 15 Pokémon cards in each Happy Meal pack. Each Pokémon has a holographic set, and each pack has four cards. The non-holographic cards are in the $1-2 range, as they are very common to be found in the Happy Meal packs.

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