Even in its first year, the Pokemon Trading Card Game’s Scarlet and Violet expansion has already released a handful of valuable collectibles. Here are the five most expensive Pokemon cards of 2023.
The most valuable Pokemon cards of 2023
Before we get into this most expensive Pokemon cards list, it should be pointed out that card values fluctuate significantly from month to month. There is also a massive gulf in pricing between graded and ungraded Pokemon cards. So, having a definitive list without factoring in the numerous variables that come with card collecting is impossible. For this list, I have based it on the average price each 2023 Pokemon card is currently selling for ungraded. However, I have also included each collectible’s peak prices as well.
Arceus VSTAR Crown Zenith Secret Rare – Ungraded: $60 / Graded: $106-$190
To end the TCG’s Pokemon Sword and Shield era with a bang, the Pokemon Company released the final Crown Zenith set in January 2023. And what a finale it was! With over 70 Galarian Gallery cards, the Gen 8 set had some of the most beautiful artwork the Pokemon TCG has seen in decades. So it should come as no surprise that the Arceus VSTAR Secret Rare is also one of the most valuable Pokemon cards to be released in 2023.
The Golden textured card depicts the God Pokemon emerging from Mt. Sinnoh with a swirling sky of clouds behind him. When the set was first released, PSA 10 graded versions of the Arceus VSTAR sold for as high as $190. Towards the back half of 2023, though, the same graded edition of the Pokemon card has sold for as low as $106. An ungraded Arceus VSTAR can still go for $60, which isn’t bad for a modern TCG collectible.
Giratina VSTAR Crown Zenith – Ungraded: $70 / Graded: $119-$295
The Galarian Gallery Giratina VSTAR is connected to the Arceus card mentioned above, as they are part of a four-piece artwork collection that makes up a single image when combined. The Secret Rare features artwork of the Pokemon Platinum Legendary diving into a swirling lake of golden energy. At its peak, a CGC Pristine 10 graded Giratina VSTAR sold for as high as $295 at auction.
As of October 2023, a PSA 10 graded version of the Crown Zenith Secret Rare has gone for as low as $119. On average, an ungraded Giratina VSTAR sells for around $70. Interestingly, the Japanese version from the VSTAR Universe set is much more valuable. At its peak, a black label pristine BGS 10 edition sold for a mind-blowing $1,137. Unfortunately, since the collectible was released in Japan in 2022, it doesn’t technically make the list.
Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare Obsidian Flames – Ungraded: $55 / Graded PSA 10: $499-$1,683
When the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Obsidian Flames set was first released in August 2023, the Charizard EX Special Illustration Rare quickly became the most expensive card of the year. Collectors went absolutely wild for the terastallized version of the Pokemon Red mascot. At its peak, the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare sold for as high as $1,683 graded! Yes, you read that right. Just as shocking, though, is that the card’s price dropped pretty steeply in the back half of 2023.
As more of the card ended up in circulation, its price dropped to as low as $499. Which, to be fair, is still nothing to sneeze at. But it’s a perfect example of how much hype the Gen 1 Pokemon still commands with collectors in the Pokemon TCG. Ungraded versions of the Charizard ex Special now sell on average for $55. While the Giratina VSTAR is technically more valuable ungraded, the absurd prices the Secret Rare Charizard fetches when graded make it a bit more noteworthy. Plus, the Special Illustration card has a higher ceiling of value potential, even with its price trending downward.
Iono Special Illustration Rare Paldea Evolved – Ungraded: $90 / Graded PSA 10: $219-$450
While not reaching the same highs as the Obsidian Flames Charizard, the Iono Special Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved has continued to sell for high prices. The Trainer card has consistently maintained its value compared to other collectibles on this list. At its peak, a PSA 10-graded version of the Iono Special Illustration Rare sold for $450 at auction.
Recently, graded editions of the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Gym Leader have fetched $219. However, the most impressive aspect of the Paldea Evolved card is that it continues to sell for $90 to 100 on average, ungraded. So, although it isn’t the highest-selling card of 2023, it’s arguably one of the most valuable cards across the board. For the average Pokemon card fan, the Iono Special Illustration Rare is likely the most expensive 2023 item in their collection.
Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat Van Gogh Promo – Ungraded: $110 / Graded PSA 10: $595-$1,729
The Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat promo card is the most expensive Pokemon card of 2023. Originally released as a promotional item at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the Pokemon card caused absolute pandemonium in the TCG community when it was offered as a promo card on the official Pokemon Center store. After scalpers flooded the online shop, many Pokemon fans were left empty-handed and unable to obtain the rare collectible.
Making matters worse, the Van Gogh Museum had to cancel the Pikachu card due to scalpers showing up to the exhibit and causing a disturbance to get their hands on the promo. At its peak, the Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat sold for as high as $1,729! With hype finally settling down, a PSA 10 version of the card has recently sold for $595. For the lucky fans who manage to snag one of the promo cards, the Van Gogh Pikachu fetches around $110 on average ungraded. Of all the cards on the list, the Van Gogh Pikachu has the most potential to drop or raise in value. It’s anyone’s guess! One thing is for certain, though: promo Pokemon cards are still the most desirable collectibles in the TCG, even in 2023.
The latest Pokemon Scarlet and Violet TCG set, Paradox Rift, will be released on November 3, 2023.
