The upcoming new Pokémon titles for Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are set for upcoming release in November 2022, bringing the Paldea region and a new generation of Pokémon.
This new generation of Pokémon is then almost guaranteed to appear in a new Pokémon TCG Expansion set, such as previous game titles. New Pokémon TCG expansions bring the opportunity for new rare and valuable cards to be created, such as many cards from previous sets that have since inflated in price and value. First Edition Pokémon cards are among the most valuable and collectible cards, with their worth dramatically increasing. First Edition cards have sold for significant amounts of money in 2022, as noted on Pokémon TCG guide and collectables website, CardCollector.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Magneton
Recently Sold For $17,067
Though Magneton may be one of the less-popular electric type Pokémon in 2022, and can often be overlooked, the First Edition Base Set shadowless Magneton holographic card is worth some serious money to collectors.
Magneton was one of the original 151 Pokémon, meaning it was one of the first few Electric-types to ever be created. It is an extremely rare card that is hard to grade, with only 64 PSA 10s known to exist, making it a highly valuable card.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Raichu
Recently Sold For $17,100
As the evolved form of franchise mascot Pikachu, Raichu was always going to be a somewhat popular Pokémon out of the original 151 designs and holds significant nostalgia towards those who remember the early days of Pokémon.
Raichu also had significant appearances in the Pokémon anime, which help boost its popularity among fans. With Raichu's history in the Pokémon franchise, and its link to Pikachu, paired with the information of there only being 87 known PSA 10's in existence, there is no surprise for the amount this card is now valued at.
2002 First Edition Neo Destiny Shining Charizard
Recently Sold For $20,250
The Neo Pokémon TCG sets are often considered some of the best sets ever from the Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) era. Within this set are eight secret rare 'Shining' cards, which had art of Pokémon in their shiny color palettes, with the holofoil on the Pokémon itself.
Charizard is a fan favorite Pokémon in general, and widely considered one of the best Fire-types by fans. It comes as no surprise that Charizard cards were immediately a hit with collectors, and that has only continued to grow over the years.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Mewtwo
Recently Sold For $22,655
Mewtwo is one of the most iconic legendary Pokémon in the franchise, especially after the significance it played in the first Pokémon movie Mewtwo Strikes Back. With such an important role, it is easy to see how others find such value in this card.
Not only does the card feature an amazing illustration in the same art style as old Pokémon concept art and the first Pokémon movie, but it is also a holographic rare, making it one of the more collectable pieces of Base Set. With 81 PSA 10 copies known in the world, this Mewtwo card is one of significant rarity, and even more value.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Hitmonchan
Recently Sold For $23,100
Although Hitmonchan isn't everyone's first pick for a holographic pull in Base Set, and the fact that it is commonly disregarded and overlooked in the Pokémon franchise, there is a unique reason for this card's value.
The value of this card comes from the fact that the holofoil area is extensive compared to others in the set, meaning it is extremely hard to grade. There are only 56 PSA 10 copies known in the world, which is what makes a good condition Hitmonchan card so rare to come by and has caused such a large value.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Venusaur
Recently Sold For $25,000
Venusaur is the final evolved form of starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, and is known as one of the best Grass-type Pokémon throughout the entire franchise. Because of these factors, it was only natural for Venusaur's first edition hole to become such a popular card.
138 PSA 10's are known to exist, but as one of the starter Pokémon trio final form evolution holographic cards, alongside Blastoise and Charizard, it is easy to see how collectors love to attempt achieving the goal of owning all three cards, making Venusaur one of the most sought-after first edition pieces.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Chansey
Recently Sold For $36,877
Chansey is one of the most significant original 151 Pokémon, playing an important role as signature Pokémon helpers and medical assistants to Nurse Joy's, and are found in almost every Pokémon center.
As a holographic card, many collectors wanted the addition of Chansey to their set. However, similarly to Hitmonchan, Chansey's holographic is part of what made it such as significantly valuable card. Scratches or print imperfections easily damage the large clear holographic area, meaning Chansey is also difficult to grade, only 48 PSA 10's are known to exist in the world.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Blastoise
Recently Sold For $45,100
Blastoise is commonly regarded as one of the best Water-types in the Pokémon franchise, holding a place of nostalgia in the hearts of many elder fans. Alongside Venusaur and Charizard, it completes the pricey First Edition final starter evolution trio that many collectors aim to achieve.
There are only 100 PSA 10 graded Blastoise cards known in existence, making it one of the rarest first edition cards. Combined with the fact that so many people have a soft spot for the starter Pokémon and their evolutions, it's understandable how this card is now valued at such an astounding price.
2000 First Edition Neo Genesis Lugia
Recently Sold For $144,300
Lugia is a well-loved Pokémon introduced in the Johto region, as one of the strongest Mythical/Legendary Pokémon. Lugia was extremely popular at the time of Neo Genesis's release in 2000, after being the main box art legendary of the 1999 Pokémon Silver video game title.
Not only is Lugia a popular Pokémon, but the artwork on this particular card is stunning, showing a sparkle effect on the holographic area surrounding the monster. This holofoil however, also means it's an extremely hard card to grade, with only 43 PSA 10's and 3 BGS 10's known in existence.
First Edition Base Set Shadowless Charizard
Recently Sold For $350,100
Base Set Charizard since release has become potentially the most iconic and influential Pokémon card of all time. This brings plenty of nostalgia and satisfaction to collectors who aim to get their hands on a copy.
Charizard completes the 'big three' of Base Set, alongside Venusaur and Blastoise, as the hole rare cards of each starter Pokémon's final evolution. There are 121 PSA 10's known in existence, with thousands of collectors and Pokémon enthusiasts willing to pay top price to add this special card to their collections. Some individuals are even purchasing Charizard as an investment, as the value is guaranteed to only increase going forward.