Pokemon card collecting has exploded these past few years. From multimillion-dollar card sales to your average couple-of-hundred dollar price tags, the Pokemon card craze has everyone crawling through their attics to dig out their childhood collection.

Are you one of the lucky folks who stashed their old binder of Pokemon cards and are now ready to cash them in? If so, buckle up – we’ll tell you the ten most valuable base set Pokemon cards.

Before we get excited and see dollar signs everywhere, let’s establish what a base set Pokemon card is first.

Base set refers to the first set of Pokemon cards released in Japan in 1996 and the rest of the English-speaking world in 1999. They feature first-generation Pokemon, items, and characters, which you would’ve seen in the first Pokemon games.

Although the Japanese cards capture the attention of collectors even today, it’s the 102 English cards that really drive the market wild. That’s because there are three different types of English base set cards: 1st edition shadowless, shadowless, and unlimited. Their differences are minor, but they can swing the price towards the thousands for the right card.

Let’s look briefly at each one to understand why they vary so much in price.

1st Edition Shadowless Cards

As the name suggests, 1st edition cards are the first-print cards that Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) released on the market. They were a limited run – once the packs sold out, that was it. And that scarcity makes them very desirable (and expensive!) today.

1st edition cards have a unique identifier on the card that should immediately grab your attention. A stamp at the bottom left corner of the artwork frame will say “EDITION 1.” The “1” should be in a black circle, and the word “EDITION” should surround its upper half.

Another identifier is the lack of a drop shadow on the bottom right of the artwork frame. It should just be the frame border surrounding the artwork and nothing else around it. You could even say the artwork looks a bit “flat” without it.

Shadowless Cards

Once WOTC finished the 1st edition run, they removed the 1st edition stamp on the cards but continued printing them as shadowless. They look similar to the 1st edition cards – no drop shadow on the artwork frame – but without the telltale stamp on the bottom left corner.

Shadowless cards are not as expensive as 1st edition cards, but they still command a reasonable price on the market. WOTC didn’t print as many of these cards, so they’re still quite scarce despite not being the first run.

Unlimited cards

After the shadowless cards print run, WOTC started printing the unlimited edition cards. Most cards on the market are unlimited because they were printed until the next set came out.

Unlimited cards are easy to spot, with the first giveaway being the drop shadow at the bottom right of the artwork frame. The card is no longer shadowless, so to speak. And of course, it doesn’t have the 1st edition stamp.

Another indicator is the copyright years at the bottom of the card. 1st edition and shadowless cards will say “1995, 96, 98, 99.” Unlimited cards don’t have the 99, instead only saying, “1995, 96, 98.”

Certain unlimited cards still fetch a decent price on the market, but not as much as their 1st edition and shadowless counterparts.

Ken Sugimori’s cream-colored Ninetales sits majestically on a blue holographic foil background, giving it a nice contrast against the reddish orange card. It’s definitely a simple yet graceful card, befitting the nine-tailed fire fox.

It seems collectors also agree because a gem mint 1st edition shadowless card goes for over $9,100. Meanwhile, a regular shadowless card is about half the price of its 1st edition counterpart – $4,600 in a PSA 10. And for the budget conscious, an unlimited Ninetales costs a fraction of the shadowless version, coming in at $450.

Who would’ve thought a seemingly useless Magikarp would evolve into a formidable Gyarados? Mitsuhiro Arita did an excellent job with this card, too – a side profile featuring Gyarados in a yellow and blue scale, with a sparkly holographic foil backdrop on a blue card. No wonder collectors love this card!

If you want to get your hands on one, a gem mint shadowless card (but not 1st edition) is only about $2,300 in a PSA 10. But if you want to go all in and grab a 1st edition shadowless Gyarados, be prepared to spend over $10,000 for one in a PSA 10. And if you don’t feel like paying such high prices, a gem mint unlimited Gyarados is $510.

There’s something fascinating about a single Magnemite attaching itself to two others, thus creating the fearsome Magneton. And that’s exactly what we got when Keiji Kinebuchi illustrated Magneton for this card: a Pokemon that looks alert and ready to deliver a painful electric shock.

Collectors are also in for a sticker shock once they discover that a gem mint 1st edition PSA 10 Magneton card is worth $11,450. Thankfully, the regular shadowless card doesn’t sting as much, costing nearly 90 percent less than its PSA 10 1st edition counterpart at $1,275. The gem mint unlimited card is still cheaper, drawing in only $356 from the market.

Mewtwo’s status as a legendary Pokemon helps cement this card as one of the most valuable base set cards. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori himself, this purple Mewtwo card features artwork that makes the Pokemon look slightly smaller and less menacing. The starry, holographic foil background gives Mewtwo a somewhat more mysterious aura.

A 1st edition shadowless Mewtwo in gem mint condition will cost buyers nearly $11,500, while a regular shadowless version in the same condition is about $3,000. But if you’re on a tighter budget, a gem mint unlimited Mewtwo card is only about $620 – a much more manageable price than the other two.

Since Pokemon’s beginning, fans have debated whether Hitmonchan or Hitmonlee was the better pick. When it comes to base set cards, it looks like Ken Sugimori’s ready-to-box Hitmonchan won that debate handily.

And here’s how Hitmonchan claimed the crown: a gem mint 1st edition card sells for $12,000. As for Hitmonlee… well, the poor Pokemon didn’t get its card representation until a few sets later, when the Fossil set was released. By then, Hitmonchan has already soared to the top of the price charts.

Not having the franchise’s mascot on the top five of this list would be an injustice, but that isn’t the case this time.

However, not all Pikachus are made equally. WOTC printed two versions of this card: one with red cheeks and one with yellow, both with 1st edition and shadowless versions. Once it was time to print unlimited cards, WOTC only printed the yellow cheeks version, making red cheeks more scarce and desirable.

Believe it or not, a 1st edition red cheeks Pikachu isn’t even the most valuable card of its kind, commanding only $4,300 on the market. Instead, the most expensive Pikachu card belongs to the Pikachu E3 red cheeks card, worth an impressive $12,500 when gem mint.

What makes the Pikachu E3 red cheeks card so unique? The fact that Nintendo only gave it to Nintendo booth visitors during E3 1999 made it valuable and rare. You’ll know you have one when a gold “E3” is written in gold foil at the bottom right corner of the artwork.

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As the final evolution of one of the three original Pokemon starters, it’s no surprise that the green Venusaur card is on this list. Illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita did a great job portraying this creature, too: large and chunky, with a stance and expression that indicates it’s ready to fight when threatened.

Even its prices are ready to fight because a gem mint 1st edition shadowless card is worth a hefty sum of $19,000. However, its value exponentially decreases once the card loses its 1st edition status, with regular shadowless card prices down to just over $2,900. And if you have the unlimited card, that’s only about $1,200.

It’s quite fitting that we encounter a Blastoise card near the top of the list; after all, Blastoise is the final evolution of one of the more popular Generation 1 starter. The card is lovely, too, with Ken Sugimori portraying Blastoise as a turtle ready to go with its water cannons without looking too menacing.

This is also where the prices vary wildly depending on your card. Gem mint 1st edition Blastoise cards sell for over $23,000. A regular shadowless card can net you a little over $6,800 – a steep dropoff compared to its 1st edition counterpart. Unlimited cards go even lower at $2,900.

If you think the three most expensive base set Pokemon cards are the starter evolutions, think again. This happy, helpful, egg-carrying Chansey, with artwork by Ken Sugimori, blasts its way to number 2.

Intrigued? That’s because a gem mint 1st edition shadowless Chansey card is worth a whopping $31,200 – over $8,000 more than a Blastoise card with the same pedigree. 

Oddly enough, a regular shadowless and an unlimited Chansey card are neck-to-neck with their $2,600 price. Currently, the unlimited card is worth about $70 more than the shadowless, but that’s bound to change as the markets shift.

You don’t have to be a Pokemon card expert to know this is the holy grail. Nearly everyone can recognize Mitsuhiro Arita’s art of a Charizard about to breathe fire through its open mouth, all on a reddish-orange card. 

If you have one of these cards in your collection, you’ll rake in some serious cash. And that cash only goes higher as your card’s condition and edition improve.

Let’s put it this way: a gem mint English 1st edition shadowless PSA 10 Charizard card will make you over $36,000 richer. Even the non-1st edition but still shadowless version in a PSA 10 is not that far behind, commanding a market price of $33,000. And if you have the unlimited Charizard card, it can still fetch you a handsome price of $8,700.

Determining base set Pokemon card prices can be mind-boggling, especially for cards like Blastoise and Charizard. Who would’ve thought that a nearly 30-year-old colorful piece of cardboard could fetch so much cash in the market? Nostalgia, demand, and character attachment truly are powerful marketing tools when it comes to Pokemon cards.

So what are you waiting for? Dig up those old binders of yours and start looking through your cards. You could be holding on to a treasure trove without knowing it.

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If you’re a more seasoned collector of the Pokemon TCG then you may recall a time when The Pokemon Company was producing cards known as Break cards. These cards were first introduced to English cards in the cleverly named “BREAKthrough” expansion way back in November 2015. These cards continued to appear in English sets throughout the X & Y era of Pokemon such as BREAKpoint, Fates Collide, Steam Siege, Evolutions, etc. They are a special kind of evolution card that are classed as their own type, meaning that cannot be pulled from your deck with cards that do things like “draw an evolution card from your deck”.

Probably the most distinguishable feature of BREAK cards is that the art of the card is displayed horizontally as opposed to vertically like most full art cards. As well as this the art is always a golden CGI version of the Pokemon on BREAK cards which is a cool touch. However, if you were collecting at the time of these cards’ release you might remember these cards not being particularly popular at the time. People weren’t too fond of the horizontal art nor were they huge fans of the Pokemon being almost unidentifiable under the gold texture. Even to this day, nobody is leaping at the opportunity to get their hands on a BREAK card which raises the question, what are the most valuable BREAK Pokemon cards?

Taking the first spot on this list is a recognizable first-generation fire-type in Ninetales. It comes from what is likely the most famous X & Y set: Evolutions. This set was released in 2016 and notoriously re-released the fabled holographic, base-set Charizard. This Ninetales is by no means a big-hitter in this set and is actually one of the less valuable cards but in the scope of BREAK cards, it’s fairly expensive, selling for around $38 in a PSA 10.

Next comes a fan-favorite dragon type from the video game franchise, Hydreigon. This card comes from what is rated as one of the worst Pokemon sets of all time 2016’s Steam Siege. When it comes to sets with nothing to pull, Steam Siege trumps them all. Even in 2023, the biggest hits from this set are only worth around $90 in a PSA 10. However, as we said before, the bar isn’t exactly set super high when it comes to the value of BREAK cards so when we say that this card is worth about $46 it’s pretty impressive.

At number 6 is the Pokemon Y mascot and legendary, Yveltal, also coming from the 2016 set Steam Siege, this card is marginally more expensive than the Hydreigon. In a PSA 10 this card can be found selling for around $50 however, this is subject to change. 

Now, coming from the aforementioned 2015 set BREAKthrough, we have the generation V, dark type Pokemon, Zoroark. This was the set that introduced the BREAK mechanic into the game but for some reason just didn’t really have that many huge pulls in it. In a set choked full of Mewtwos that everyone is looking to get a hold of, the Zoroark was slightly overshadowed. Nonetheless, this card can be found selling for around $60 in a PSA 10.

Although we just said Zoroark is one of the only worthwhile BREAK cards from the debut BREAK set, there is one exception to this and that is the Marowak BREAK card from the very same set. Now we are starting to enter the region of reasonably valuable cards as this Marowak can be found selling for upwards of $90 in a PSA 10. This card is not only valuable in the scope of all BREAK cards but is actually one of the more expensive cards in the whole set itself.

Now we have the first card on the list that breaks the $100 threshold and it comes in the form of the second-generation (Silver) Legendary and mascot. It’s unsurprising that this card actually sells for so much as typically when the Pokemon Company slaps a nostalgic Pokemon onto any card, its value immediately increases (I’m looking at you Charizard and Pikachu). Coming from the set Fates Collide, this card can be found selling for around $100 in a PSA 10.

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Taking the bronze medal on this list we have a less common face in the Pokemon TCG, Raticate. This normal-type Pokemon comes from the first generation of Pokemon and isn’t a particularly popular Pokemon by any means. In fact, it is probably one of the much less popular first-generation Pokemon out there. Regardless, this card, coming from the set BREAKthrough is one of the most expensive BREAK cards you can get your hands on, coming in at about $100. However, this has been known to fluctuate in the past which is why we have put it above the Lugia.

Coming in at number two we have one of the most popular water-type starters in the Pokemon franchise, even making its way into the Super Smash Bros roster, Greninja. Making his debut in generation six of Pokemon, Greninja is among some of the most notable water-type starters like Blastoise, Feraligatr, etc. Because of this, it’s unsurprising that it made its way to such a high spot on the list. This card comes from the set BREAKpoint and can cost more than $117 in a PSA 10.

Now here’s a gold medalist you probably didn’t expect.  For a lot of you reading this, you may have never even heard of the Pokemon Florges and I don’t blame you. Florges isn’t by any means the poster boy of Pokemon, in fact, its card type, (fairy) was discontinued after X and Y  which is what makes it so surprising that this card is worth so much in a PSA 10. There doesn’t appear to be a reason that I could really point to as to why this card is worth so much but it’s worth quite a bit nonetheless. Coming from the set BREAKthrough, in a PSA 10 you can find this card selling for more than $130.

There are quite a few reasons why people hate BREAK cards but the most glaring issue with them seems to be their design. One factor that will always affect the value of a card is the quality of the card’s art. If a card is ugly, it doesn’t have much value to collectors beyond the card population and people can seem to unanimously agree that BREAK cards aren’t the prettiest cards in the world. Everything from their horizontal artwork to their weird gold finish just made them extremely unpopular amongst fans and possibly the worst sin of all they never made a Charizard BREAK card.

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Trying to sell your childhood Pokemon card collection can be confusing if you don’t know some key terminologies. Terms such as “1st edition” and “shadowless” are enough to make someone’s head spin if encountered without context. Thankfully, learning those terms only takes a few minutes and can save you loads of headaches.

Shadowless Pokemon cards are among the franchise’s most valuable and sought-after collectibles. These rare cards feature a minor difference from their more common counterparts, making them highly desirable to collectors. 

Shadowless cards easily fetch thousands of dollars depending on their condition. Let’s look further into how to identify them and what makes them so valuable.

Shadowless Pokemon cards are extremely rare nowadays and it takes less than a glance to spot one.

If you notice a base set card without any drop shadow on its artwork frame, that’s a shadowless card. You can then perform other checks, such as checking if it’s 1st edition, confirming the copyright years at the bottom, or if it’s a real one instead of a fake card.

What’s the difference between 1st edition shadowless and regular shadowless?

There are two kinds of shadowless cards: 1st edition and regular. There’s only one significant difference between them, but that’s enough to create a gulf in their price. So how do you tell them apart?

The main differentiator between the two cards is the presence of the 1st edition stamp on the card. At the bottom left of the artwork frame is a “1,” and the word “EDITION” is written above it in a semi-circle. Without that stamp, the card is just a regular shadowless card.

Identifying a shadowless Pokemon card is easy, and the best way to do it is to look at the frame surrounding the artwork. You want to focus on the right side because that’s where you’ll find the difference between a shadowless and an unlimited card.

You’re looking for a black line, called a drop shadow, on the right side of the artwork frame. If there is one, you’re looking at an unlimited version of that card. But if there isn’t a drop shadow, congratulations – you have a shadowless Pokemon card.

Another indicator of a shadowless card is the copyright year at the bottom. You don’t need to read the entire line; you only need to find “1999” on the card. 

Of course, all 1st edition cards (except Machamp from the base set) are shadowless. So if you find that “1st EDITION” logo at the bottom left corner of the artwork frame, then you’re guaranteed to have a shadowless card.

You may have noticed earlier that we excluded Machamp when discussing 1st edition cards being shadowless. That’s because the Machamp card from the base set has an oddity: all of them, even ones that aren’t shadowless, have the 1st edition stamp.

So why are all Machamp cards 1st edition? That’s because Wizards of the Coast included a 1st edition Machamp card in the Pokemon TCG 2-Player Starter Set. The card was a bonus on the starter set – it was the only Stage 2 Pokemon in the deck. 

Additionally, Machamp was never in any booster packs, so most Machamp cards in public hands are 1st Edition. The only non-1st Edition Machamp card was found in Trainer Deck A, sent to Pokemon Leagues before the TCG’s official launch; these cards have “Trainer Deck A” stamped on the back. There weren’t a lot of them, and they are very rare.

However, when they started printing unlimited cards, WOTC never removed the 1st Edition stamp on Machamp. As a result, two versions of 1st Edition Machamp exist: shadowless and shadowed.

Spotting a shadowless card when it’s right in front of you is easy, but what about booster packs? How can you tell if your booster pack contains shadowless cards without opening it?

For 1st edition shadowless cards, the method is straightforward. All you need to do is look for the same 1st edition logo on the pack. It will be near the bottom, to the right of the red box that says “TRADING CARD GAME.”

If the pack doesn’t have the 1st edition logo, don’t fret – you can still determine whether it’s shadowless without opening it. Here’s how:

• The red “TRADING CARD GAME” logo is the first to look for. If it’s still at the bottom, it’s shadowless. But it’s unlimited if it’s at the top of the pack. 
• If the pack says “11 Tradeable Game Cards,” you have a shadowless pack. Unlimited card packs will say “11 Additional Game Cards.”
• If you can hold the pack yourself (i.e., it’s not in a display case), the back of shadowless packs will say, “Each player must have a Deck of Pokemon cards to play. Collect all four theme decks!”

Believe it or not, only Base Set cards have shadowless versions; the rest do not. Shadowless cards exist because Wizards of the Coast, the company handling the printing of Pokemon cards at the time, was experimenting with card layouts. WOTC knew 1st edition cards had to be a limited run, but they weren’t sure what subtle differences they could add to each card edition.

As a result, shadowless cards served as an in-between print to determine how a card would look without the 1st edition stamp. And considering its short print run, it’s clear that WOTC wasn’t entirely happy with the card’s appearance before settling with a drop shadow on the frame.

By the time WOTC started printing Jungle set cards, shadowless cards were no longer a thing; they were printing only 1st edition and unlimited cards. And although 1st edition cards existed until the Neo Destiny set (except for Base Set 2, which never had a 1st edition), those cards were never shadowless.

Shadowless cards are worth a lot of money, even for the common cards. Their rarity drives up the prices; it doesn’t help that there are fewer of them each year as more cards get settled into people’s collections. And if the card is a 1st edition shadowless, its value goes up exponentially.

Here are five of the most expensive shadowless cards:

• Charizard 4/102 1st edition: $36,766
• Charizard 4/102 regular shadowless: $33,092
• Chansey 3/102 1st edition: $31,206
• Blastoise 2/102 1st edition: $23,433
• Venusaur 15/102 1st edition: $19,000

Finding a shadowless card in your collection can be exhilarating, especially considering its potential value. Diligently performing a few simple checks can save you the regret of underpricing it as an unlimited edition card. As long as you take a few seconds to glance at the card’s characteristics, you know you can set a value on your card correctly.

So the next time you go through your childhood binder or go searching through someone’s collection, take a few moments to look at each card in detail. You’ll never know what kind of treasures you’ll find with a careful eye.

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When it comes to the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), most of the cards tend to be grand and epic, featuring powerful Pokémon and awe-inspiring artwork. But every now and then, the artists get a little more creative and produce some hilariously funny cards that are sure to make players smile.

These cards provide a break from the intense gameplay and allow players to have a good laugh at the expense of their opponents.

While they may not be the most powerful cards in the game, they certainly add a unique and enjoyable aspect to the TCG. In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 funniest Pokémon cards to ever make it into the TCG.

This unique card was illustrated by Tomoaki Imakuni and released in 1998. It is worth about $20-$30. Some sales can also cross $100.

Imakuni?’s Doduo is a bizarre and hilarious card that features a fusion of the Pokémon Doduo and the Japanese musician Imakuni, with unique effects that can confuse both players. The card’s effect is equally confusing and amusing.

This card features colorful and chaotic artwork, which resembles a wild party scene. The card’s artwork, illustrated by Tomoaki Imakuni, depicts Imakuni riding on the back of Doduo, with the two of them joined at the hip.

Released in 2016 in the XY Evolutions card set, this card has become a favorite among fans for its absurdity and humorous artwork. Its creator, Imakuni, is a well-known figure in the Pokémon community, famous for his bizarre and wacky contributions to the franchise. Imakuni?’s Doduo card is popular among collectors and players due to its fun factor.

This comical card was created by Tomokazu Komiya and released in 2019 as part of the Darkness Ablaze set. It can be purchased for about $0.50.

Unlike the Imakuni?’s Doduo card, the Bunnelby card is a more traditional Pokémon card design, but still features a psychedelic illustration of the Pokemon. Bunnelby is a basic Pokémon with average attack and defense points.

Released in 2019 as part of the Sword & Shield Darkness Ablaze expansion set, this card features Bunnelby taking on the role of the March Hare from “Alice in Wonderland.” It shows Bunnelby with a move called “Mad Party” that does damage to each of your Benched Pokémon with the “Mad Party” attack. It’s psychedelic artwork and “Mad Party” move make it one of the most entertaining cards in the game.

While not the most powerful card in the TCG, the Bunnelby card remains a fan favorite due to its quirky and amusing design.

The goofy Slowbro card was drawn by Ken Sugimori and released in 2019 as part of the Unbroken Bonds set. It is worth about $1-$2. Retail can also go up to around $5.

The Slowbro card from the Unbroken set features an illustration by Ken that is both silly and creative with it’s crazy patterend background.

This card’s artwork depicts Slowbro with a Shellder attached to its tail, making it look like a suit of armor.

The card’s ability, “Shellder Armor,” allows the player to attach a Shellder card from their hand to Slowbro, increasing its defense. The Slowbro card is both humorous and unique. Its move, “Amnesia,” allows Slowbro to forget what it’s doing in battle, adding an extra layer of absurdity to the gameplay.

Featuring hilarious artwork by Mitshuiro Arita, this Magikarp card was re-released in 2016 as part of the X, and Y Evolution set but originally came from the base set of Pokemon.  It is valued at about $0.25-$2. Like with the Slowbro card, the retail for the Magikarp card can also sometimes reach up to $5.

Magikarp is known for being one of the weakest and most useless Pokémon in the game, and this card does a pretty good job of highlighting that with the derpiest looking Magikarp on the planet. The Magikarp card from the base set of Pokemon features an illustration by Mitshuiro that is both hilarious and fitting for the Pokémon’s character.

The card’s artwork depicts Magikarp with a move called “Flail,” where it flops around helplessly, doing damage based on how much HP it has left. Despite its lack of practicality, the Magikarp card remains a popular choice for players who enjoy a good laugh.

Shibuzoh illustrated this silly Psyduck card released in 2018 as part of the Sun and Moon McDonald’s Collection. It can be obtained for about $0.50.

The card’s art features what is likely one of the most distressed Psyducks you will ever see as he sits and suffers what we can only assume is the worst headache in the world. The fact that the card has a move called headache makes this art all the more fitting. 

Its unique ability to cause damage to both players when attacking makes it a strategic choice for those looking for a bit of fun. The Psyduck card is both humorous and useful in gameplay.

This is one of the most sought-after cards in the TCG. The Pikachu card was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida and released in 1998. It is worth around $20,000.

This card is one of the most coveted and valuable cards in the entire Pokémon TCG. This rare and highly sought-after card features an illustration by Atsuko Nishida, the original designer of Pikachu. The Pikachu Illustrator card was only released in Japan in 1998 as part of a promotional event.

This card was only given out as a prize to winners of a CoroCoro magazine contest in Japan. Only a handful of these cards were ever produced.

Other than being one of the most expensive cards, it is also considered one of the funniest cards. The card’s artwork depicts Pikachu drawing a picture of itself with a comedic effect. The effects add fun to the all-time great Pokémon character, Pikachu. The drawing seems fun. It looks like Pikachu has been to an art school to be able to draw itself.

This whimsical Wooper card was released in 2015 as part of the X&Y set Ancient Origins. It is valued at about $1-$2. The artist who designed the Pokémon Wooper card is Sumiyoshi Kizuki.

If you’re a fan of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, chances are you’ve come across the amusing Wooper card. These cards usually come as Water or  Fighting-type and feature the iconic blue, dual-typed Pokémon.

Wooper is known for being a quirky and playful Pokémon, and this card certainly captures that spirit.

It features the Wooper with its notorious dopey expression on its face sat happily in what seems to be a hotspring. You just can’t help but love the little guy for how cute he looks. 

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This creepy but comical Gengar card was created by Mitsuhiro Arita and released in 2009 as part of the Platinum Arceus set. It can be purchased for about $1-$2.

Gengar is a ghost-type Pokémon known for its mischievous behavior and haunting abilities.

This card features Gengar running across rooftops in the night time with his iconic teethy grin plastered across his face. In the background you can see a dystopian city which resembles that of Gotham as lightning strikes down. 

The card’s humor comes from the fact that the move “Nightmare” causes the opponent to lose sleep, adding to Gengar’s reputation as a mischievous prankster.

The card’s design is both striking and detailed, with intricate shading that gives Gengar a three-dimensional appearance. 

Finally, this hilarious Snorlax card was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and released in 2004 as part of the ex Team Rocket Returns set. It is worth approximately $360. 

The Snorlax card is perhaps one of the most recognizable and beloved Pokémon Trading Cards of all time. Snorlax is typically a normal type Pokemon but in this card, appears as a dark type. 

This card portrays the famous snorlax sitting in a purple abyss with its sleepy eyes eating some sort of green food. The deep contrast makes for a pretty hilarious card art. 

The card is highly collectible and sought-after, not only for its humor but also for its beautiful design and high quality.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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If you were a child in the 90s or early 2000s, then chances are you have fond memories of collecting and trading Pokémon cards with your friends. But have you ever stopped to wonder just how many Pokémon cards there are in the world? The answer, my friends, is not as straightforward as you might think.

For those who don’t know, Pokémon is a video game franchise that was first introduced in Japan in 1996. The game quickly became a sensation, and in 1998, it was brought over to the United States. Along with the game came the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), which allowed players to collect and trade cards featuring their favorite Pokémon characters.

The TCG was an immediate hit, and soon kids all over the world were obsessively collecting and trading Pokémon cards. But what was it about these little pieces of cardboard that made them so appealing? Part of it was undoubtedly the thrill of the hunt – searching for that elusive rare card that would complete your collection. But there was also something undeniably cool about having a physical representation of your favorite Pokémon, one that you could hold in your hand and show off to your friends.

Over the years, the popularity of Pokémon cards has waxed and waned. At times, they’ve been dismissed as a mere fad, a passing trend that would eventually fade away. And yet, here we are over two decades later, and Pokémon cards are still going strong.

Part of the reason for this longevity is the fact that the TCG is constantly evolving. New sets are released on a regular basis, each one featuring new Pokémon and new mechanics to keep things fresh. And while some sets may be more popular than others, there’s always something new and exciting on the horizon for Pokémon card collectors.

Another reason for the enduring popularity of Pokémon cards is the sense of community they create. Collecting and trading cards is a social activity, one that brings people together and allows them to bond over a shared interest. Whether you’re swapping cards with your best friend or attending a large-scale card trading event, there’s something special about the camaraderie that comes with being a Pokémon card collector.

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First, let’s talk about the different sets of Pokémon cards that exist. Over the years, there have been dozens of sets released for each era, each with its own unique cards and artwork. From base set all the way up until Crown Zenith there are about 103 sets released in English. This is a great place to start if we are trying to estimate the total number of unique cards in the history of the TCG. 

But just how many cards are in each set? Well, that can vary quite a bit. The Base Set, for example, contained a total of 102 cards, while newer sets can contain over 200 cards each. And that’s not even taking into account special promotional cards, which can be given away at events or included in certain products.

So, if we were to add up all the cards from every set, we could come up with a rough estimate of how many Pokémon cards there are in the world.

If we take into account that the average number of cards in a set lies between 100 – 200 then we can come to a rough estimate of 13,600 cards. However, this of course isn’t extremely accurate as it doesn’t take into account the countless promos and smaller sub-sets of Pokemon.

For example, cards like the relatively rare Special Delivery Charizard that was recently given out as a bonus with any purchase from the Pokemon Center online. It’s difficult to accommodate for every card like this in the world because there are a lot of them. Not to mention Japanese exclusive promos that can date all the way back to the 90s. 

So, while we can make an educated guess as to how many Pokémon cards exist in total, the truth is that we may never know for sure. The world of Pokémon card collecting is vast and ever-changing, with new sets being released all the time and rare cards being discovered and sold for exorbitant prices.

Despite this uncertainty, one thing is clear: Pokémon cards continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans young and old. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, there’s something undeniably magical about holding a shiny new card in your hand, and imagining all the adventures and battles that await.

So, the next time you come across a Pokémon card, take a moment to appreciate the incredible artistry and design that went into its creation. And who knows – maybe you’ll be lucky enough to stumble upon a rare card that will become the crown jewel of your collection. Just don’t forget to treat it with the care and respect it deserves!

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