The Pokémon Trading Card Game has been around for over 25 years, and during that time, many rare and valuable cards have been released. Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable Pokémon cards:
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Pikachu Illustrator: This card was awarded to winners of a Pokémon art contest in 1998, and only six are known to exist. As a result, the Pikachu Illustrator is one of the most valuable Pokémon cards in the world, with some examples selling for over $100,000.
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Prerelease Raichu: This card was accidentally released with a misprinted "Prerelease" stamp on the back, making it highly sought-after by collectors. Only 10 copies of the Prerelease Raichu are known to exist, and the card can sell for over $50,000.
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Charizard Trophy Card: This card was given out as a prize at the 1998 Nintendo World Championships, and only 39 copies are known to exist. As a result, the Charizard Trophy Card is extremely valuable, with some examples selling for over $20,000.
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First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard: This card was part of the first expansion set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and only a small number of holographic versions were produced. As a result, the First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard is highly sought-after, with some examples selling for over $10,000.
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First Edition Shadowless Holographic Blastoise: Like the Charizard card, the Blastoise card was part of the first expansion set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game and only a small number of holographic versions were produced. As a result, the First Edition Shadowless Holographic Blastoise is also highly sought-after, with some examples selling for over $10,000.
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First Edition Shadowless Holographic Venusaur: The Venusaur card, like the Charizard and Blastoise cards, was part of the first expansion set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game and only a small number of holographic versions were produced. As a result, the First Edition Shadowless Holographic Venusaur is also highly sought-after, with some examples selling for over $10,000.
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Tropical Mega Battle cards: These cards were given out as prizes at a Pokémon tournament in Hawaii in 2000, and only seven copies of each card are known to exist. As a result, the Tropical Mega Battle cards are extremely valuable, with some examples selling for over $5,000.
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First Edition Shadowless Holographic Machamp: The Machamp card was part of the first expansion set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game and only a small number of holographic versions were produced. As a result, the First Edition Shadowless Holographic Machamp is also highly sought-after, with some examples selling for over $5,000.
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First Edition Shadowless Holographic Gyarados: The Gyarados card was part of the first expansion set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game and only a small number of holographic versions were produced. As a result, the First Edition Shadowless Holographic Gyarados is also highly sought-after, with some examples selling for over $5,000.
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First Edition Shadowless Holographic Alakazam: The Alakazam card was part of the first expansion set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game and only a small number of holographic versions were produced. As a result, the First Edition Shadowless Holographic Alakazam is also highly sought-after, with some examples selling for over $5,000.
- Pokémon cards are collectible trading cards featuring characters from the Pokémon video game, television show, and movie franchise.
- Pokémon cards were first released in Japan in 1996 and made their way to North America and other parts of the world soon after.
- The most valuable Pokémon cards are typically rare, promotional, or unique in some way. For example, the highly sought-after "Pikachu Illustrator" card was awarded to winners of a Pokémon art contest and only six are known to exist.
- Pokémon cards come in various types, including basic Pokémon cards, evolution cards, and energy cards. Basic Pokémon cards feature a single Pokémon character, while evolution cards show the character at different stages of development. Energy cards are used to power up Pokémon during battles.
- Pokémon cards are typically used to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, in which players collect and battle with their Pokémon cards. The object of the game is to knock out the opponent's Pokémon by using attacks and abilities.
- In addition to traditional Pokémon cards, there are also holographic cards, which feature a shiny holographic image, and "secret" cards, which have a foil pattern on the front.
- Pokémon cards have become a popular collectible, with fans often trading and buying cards to add to their collection. There are also various online marketplaces and brick-and-mortar stores where Pokémon cards can be bought and sold.
- In order to protect their collection, many Pokémon card collectors use protective sleeves and binders to keep their cards in good condition.
- Pokémon cards are often associated with nostalgia, as many fans who grew up with the franchise in the 1990s and early 2000s have fond memories of collecting and playing with the cards.
- In recent years, Pokémon cards have seen a resurgence in popularity, with many fans rediscovering the joy of collecting and playing with the cards.