5 Most Expensive Pokemon Cards in the World, Some Cost Over Rp 89 Billion!

Kapanlagi.com - Pokemon is not just an anime or video game franchise. There is also a very popular Card Game version. Interestingly, the collection of Pokemon cards can be considered very expensive! In fact, some rare cards can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, equivalent to billions of rupiah. This fantastic value is usually influenced by rarity, card condition, and the nostalgia factor for both long-time fans and new collectors.

Some cards like Pikachu Illustrator and first edition Charizard are the most iconic examples. Because their numbers are very limited and they have high historical value, the prices of these cards keep soaring. Moreover, the ongoing popularity of Pokemon keeps this collection market alive and increasingly sought after.

For collectors, these cards are not just objects, but also investment assets and part of the history of the Pokemon world. Here are five of the most expensive Pokemon cards in the world that will leave you in awe.

1. Blastoise Wizards of the Coast Presentation Galaxy Star Holo

Rare version of the Blastoise card (Credit: OLM, Inc.)

This card is one of the rarest in the world of Pokémon. Created in 1998 as part of a special promotion for the launch of Pokémon in North America, this card was never sold to the public. Its function was more as a presentation material.

Its quantity is also super limited, with estimates suggesting there are only two in the world. Its design is unique with a Galaxy Star Holo pattern that differs from regular cards. This card also serves as an early example of the use of holographic printing technology in Pokémon.

Due to its rarity and historical value, this card has become a target for high-end collectors. In 2021, one of the cards sold for $360,000 or around Rp 6.1 billion.

2. First Edition Shadowless Charizard Holo

First edition Charizard card (Credit: OLM, Inc.)

This first edition shadowless Charizard card is often referred to as the 'holy grail' by collectors. Released in the first Pokémon TCG set in 1999, this card features a '1st Edition' stamp and a shadowless design on the image side.

The shadowless version is rarer than the regular version, as it only appeared in early prints before the design was changed. Especially if in perfect condition or PSA 10, its value can be extremely high.

In 2022, this card sold for around $420,000 or equivalent to Rp 7.1 billion. The popularity of Charizard as one of the most iconic Pokémon is also a major factor that drives the price of this card up.

3. Pikachu Trophy Card (Silver Version)

Pikachu card as proof of competition winner (Credit: OLM, Inc.)

This card was awarded as a prize in the Pokémon World Championships 1998 tournament in Japan. There are two versions, Gold and Silver, and the Silver version is actually rarer because it was only given to the second-place winner.

It is estimated that there are only 14 Silver version cards in the world. The design features Pikachu holding a trophy, complete with the text 'Tournament Winner' and striking holographic effects.

Due to its extremely limited quantity and high historical value in the competitive Pokémon world, this card has become a top target for collectors. In 2023, this card was sold for $444,000 or around Rp 7.5 billion.

4. Topsun Charizard Blue Back Card

This Charizard Pokemon card is priced at Rp 8.3 billion!

This card is one of the oldest in Pokémon history. Released in 1995 in Japan as part of a bubble gum promotion, this card even existed before the official Pokémon TCG was launched.

The design is quite unique with a blue back, different from typical Pokémon cards. Because it was produced in limited quantities and many have been damaged or lost, this card has become very rare.

In 2023, this card was sold for $493,230 or around Rp 8.3 billion. Its high value is due to factors such as age, history, and Charizard's status as a favorite character.

5. Pikachu Illustrator Card

This Pikachu Illustrator card is the most expensive (Credit: OLM, Inc.)

This is the most expensive Pokemon card in the world. The Pikachu Illustrator Card is considered the rarest and most iconic card in Pokemon history. Released in 1998 in Japan, this card is not part of a regular set, but rather a prize from an illustration competition held by CoroCoro magazine.

Only 39 people have ever received this card, making it extremely exclusive. Its design is also unique, featuring Pikachu illustrated by the original Pokémon illustrator, Ken Sugimori, complete with the word 'Illustrator' in Japanese.

Since it was never sold publicly and its quantity is very limited, this card has become a primary target for collectors. In 2021, this card sold for $5,275,000 or around Rp 89.6 billion, making it the most expensive Pokemon card of all time.

This card is not just about the price, but also a significant symbol of the history and influence of Pokémon in the world. For collectors, owning this card means having a piece of a highly valuable pop culture legacy.

Famous YouTuber, Paul Logan, once owned the Pikachu Illustrator Card. And rumor has it, the price of the card has skyrocketed since then, now estimated at around US$16 million or close to Rp 272 billion.

(kpl/gtr)