Most expensive Pokemon card in the world

What is the most expensive Pokemon card in the world?

Did you know that your old Pokemon cards could be worth more than you think? Maybe you own a rare specimen or a unique piece. There are many different expensive Pokemon cards, but what is the most expensive Pokemon card in the world?

How much do Pokemon cards cost?

You already have new Pokemon cards for a few bucks. If you are a little lucky and know someone who still has some in the attic, you might get them for free. Many people don't know the value of their cards and give them away for free or for a bargain. 

The First Editions

People collect the cards to play with. There are also many collectors around the world who own entire sets of cards. If you were one of the first collectors to be there when the first cards were sold in 1996, you may well have a piece of gold in your hands. The cards from the first generations of Pokemon cards are now rare and fetching money. Especially cards from the early years that are just that little bit more special can bring in a lot of money.

What to watch out for when buying and selling

The slightest damage to a card can have a huge impact on its value. In addition to damage, the generation of the card is also important. Cards that first hit the market between 1996 and 2002 are usually worth the most. These are the original series. If your card is also from the very first printing, it is worth even more. You can tell by the black 'First Edition' label on your card. Besides first edition cards, promo cards are also a hit. These are also labeled with the word 'promo'.

Holos or shiny cards are usually worth more than non-shiny cards. Be aware though, does your card have a "Holo Bleed" (is the shiny piece not quite inside the square)? If so, this can have both a positive and negative impact on the value of your card.

Furthermore, features such as which Pokemon is depicted on the card or the language of your card can also have an impact on its value.

What is the Most Expensive Pokemon Card?

What are really the most valuable Pokemon cards to own? It turns out that cards from special editions and Pikachu Pokemon cards do well. So the most popular character in the series is still successful.

Pikachu Illustrator card

Most expensive Pokemon card in the world

According to the Guinness World Record Book, the most expensive Pokemon card ever sold in a private deal is, for now, the PSA grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator Card. This card traded for $5,275,000 or €4,477,146. The happy buyer was Youtuber Logan Paul from the United States of America. Logan bought this card in July 2021.

It is a Japanese card from a special collection. This card was won in a Pokemon contest so it could not be purchased in stores. There would only be 1 Pikachu Illustrator Card with PSA grade 10. There would be several cards with PSA grade 9 or lower in circulation though.

A fun fact, the most expensive Pokemon card ever sold at auction was also a Pikachu Illustrator Card. This time it was one with PSA grade 7. This card was recently auctioned in early 2022 for about $900,000 or €794,648. Are you starting to save up already?

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