pokemon cards layed out on a table in sleeves

You may be wondering, are rare Pokémon cards actually worth anything? And if they are, which Pokémon cards get the biggest bang for your buck? Many Pokémon fans interested in the Pokémon TCG may be shocked to find out that some rare cards can sell at jaw-dropping prices. If you want proof, look no further than this Pikachu illustrator card, which is the highest-selling Pokémon TCG at $5.275 million in April 2022.

There has been growing interest in Pokémon TCG as an alternative asset, along with a collection for long-time fans of the series. If you’re looking for the rarest cards or just want to collect all your favourite Pokémon, then this blog is for you. We’ll go over how to tell what makes a Pokémon card rare, which are worth investing in, and how to make money from them.

What Makes a Pokémon Card “Rare”?

To start, you want to learn the key differences between a regular Pokémon card and a rare one that’s worth more.

  • Rarity markers: A rare Pokémon card will have all the information on its value in the bottom right (for older cards), or bottom left (for newer cards).

    • Common cards have a black circle.

    • Uncommon cards have a diamond symbol.

    • Rare cards have a star symbol.

  • Background prints: The same Pokémon card may share the same symbols, but they may all have different card prints.

    • Normal prints are regular-looking cards.

    • Reverse holo, the card, excluding the image, has shiny foils with differing patterns and designs.

    • Holo is the rarest type of print back in the day; the picture features shiny foils, while the rest of the card appears normal.

If you’d like to take a chance on a holographic Charizard or a legendary find like a Mewtwo or Rayquaza, then check out our Pokémon booster packs or booster boxes.

Which Pokémon Cards are Actually Worth Money Today?

Many high-value cards come from sets like Scarlet & Violet, where new rarity tiers help collectors identify the most coveted pulls. From these packs, you would want to pull:

  1. Double Rare: Found in Scarlet & Violet decks; features two black stars and usually showcases powerful Pokémon EX cards.

  2. Ultra Rare: Marked by two white stars; full-art cards that cover the entire surface with detailed illustrations.

  3. Illustration Rare: Single gold star; known for its distinctive and artistic designs that differ from standard prints.

  4. Special Illustration Rare: Two gold stars; alternate artwork of already rare cards, often full-art Pokémon EX or Trainer cards.

  5. Hyper Rare: Three gold stars; entirely gold-coloured designs, typically reserved for high-end Pokémon EX cards.

What is the Rarest Pokémon Card?

A Pokémon card’s value often depends on its rarity, limited distribution, and tournament exclusivity. Along with the Pikachu illustrator card, there are other uniquely rare cards for their limited print runs, tournament-exclusive status, or historical significance.

  • The Pikachu illustrator card is rare because there are only 39 copies in the world, and they were only initially distributed during an illustration contest in Japan.

  • The 1st edition Charizard card is another card that could sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Its iconic status is due to it being one of the first holographic cards.

  • The No. 1 Trainer Card is also rare due to its limited distribution, as it’s only been awarded to the winner of an official Pokémon competition and has been sold in auctions for approximately $60,000.

How to Invest Wisely: Risks and What to Look Out For

Is it better to buy a rare card to sell later, hunt down boxed sets, or when is it a good time to sell? We’ll break down how to maximize your chances of getting the rarest cards, and how to profit off them:

  • Condition and grading: Cards in near mint condition, such as graded PSA 10 or BGS 9.5, are often worth more. Consider professional grading if the card has long-term investment potential.

  • Authenticity: Valuable cards are often counterfeited. Look for legitimate features such as card thickness and holographic layers. When in doubt, consult with trusted vendors or certified graders.

  • Market Volatility: Pokémon card values can spike based on sudden hype, such as movie or new game launches. Keep an eye on trends and avoid panic buying during hype peaks, as they can fall just as fast.

  • Selling the Card: Determine whether you plan to flip it quickly or hold it long-term. Some cards peak early, especially after release; others gain value over time. Selling through auctions can drive up prices with competition, while private sales often yield consistent returns with less risk.

    • Looking to sell? Exor Games buys rare and valuable Pokémon cards. Contact us to get started.

Your Rare Card Journey Begins Today

Whether you're building a portfolio or hunting for the next high-value pull, rare Pokémon TCG offer value, along with a spark of excitement. Browse Exor Games’ collection of Pokémon cards to start (or level up) your own collection.