Here are the world's most expensive Pokemon cards sold!
Pokemon cards have taken the world by storm, capturing the imagination of fans of all ages. For collectors, they represent more than just a toy – they are valuable treasures and windows into a magical world. Today we dive into the 5 most expensive Pokemon cards ever sold, and explore what makes them so unique and sought after.
1. Pikachu Illustrator (1998): An iconic treasure
Created in 1998, this legendary card features an adorable Pikachu illustration and carries a rich history. In 2022, it was sold for the staggering sum of 5.3 million dollars , which corresponds to approximately 54.1 million Swedish kronor .
2. Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless (1999): A fiery rarity
A coveted variant of the iconic Charizard, this card from 1999 lacks the typical shading around the character. This rarity and its status as a first edition drove the price 420,000 dollars in 2022, which corresponds to approximately 4.3 million Swedish kronor .
3. Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star (1998): A time capsule
This card is more than just a collectible - it's a piece of Pokémon history. Printed in 1998 as a sample for stores, it is one of the earliest known Pokémon cards and is considered extremely rare. In 2021 it was sold for 360,000 dollars , which corresponds to approximately 3.7 million Swedish kronor .
4. Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze (1997): A bronze colored treasure
This rare bronze card from 1997 was awarded to the winners of an early Pokémon contest. Its rarity and connection to the early days of the game drove the price 300,000 dollars in 2021, which is approximately 3.1 million Swedish kronor .
5. Ishihara GX Promo (Signed, 2017): A unique creation
This card is not only rare, it is also personal. Signed by Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, it is a unique collector's item that was sold for 247,230 dollars in 2021, which corresponds to approximately 2.5 million Swedish kronor .
Why are they so expensive?
Several factors contribute to the tremendous value of these cards:
- Rarity: Limited editions, misprints or unique features make the cards more desirable.
- Historical value: Connection to the early days of the game or iconic events increases a card's significance.
- Condition: Well preserved cards in top condition are more valuable.
- Demand: Popularity and collecting trends drive the cards' market value.
Where can one find these precious cards?
Finding these rare treasures requires patience and precision:
- Auction sites: such as Ebay and Tradera, it is possible to bid home these precious cards.
- Collector's Fairs: Local and international events provide opportunities to find rare cards from dealers and collectors.
- Established Collectors: Experienced collectors may have valuable cards in their private collections.
Precautions:
Be careful when buying precious Pokemon cards:
- Counterfeits: Do thorough research and verify the authenticity of the merchant and the card.
- Reputation: Buy only from trusted sources with a good reputation.
- Professional Appraisal: For valuable cards, consider a professional appraisal to confirm authenticity and value.
Is my card valuable?
Determining a card's value requires expertise:
- Condition: Grade the card by a professional service such as PSA or CGC.
- Authenticity: Consult experts and use trusted tools to verify authenticity.
- Market value: The value of a card is determined by several factors. By searching for similar cards on auction sites and other websites, you can get an understanding of what your particular card is worth.
