annashay 
Collecting Pokémon cards has always been more than chasing the most expensive grails. For me, it’s about the stories, the memories, and the way each card reflects a piece of the Pokémon journey — that goes for a promo given out at a movie theater or a chase card that had collectors battling bots to secure. Prices rise and fall, but the attachment we form to these cards is what really cements their value.
Over the years I’ve built a collection that balances nostalgia, playability, and some serious collector heat. Here are my top 10 cards, ranked from the most affordable to the crown jewel of my binder. Alongside their pricing history, I’ll explain why each one has a permanent spot in my collection.
10. Latios – 203/191 (Surging Sparks)
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $29 | Market price: $29.46 | Last sold: $29
Latios Illustration Rare is a stunning example of how modern sets are leaning hard into collector-driven artwork. Part of a twinned art set with Latias ex SIR, this card initially launched at over $40 back in late 2024 but has since settled comfortably at $29. That’s still impressive for an Illustration Rare, which often don’t hold value unless tied to fan-favorite Pokémon. The twin artwork connection makes this card special, and I love how it displays when paired with Latias — together they feel like two halves of a single story.
9. Mew Black Star Promo 9
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $56.50 | Market price: $56.49 | Last sold: $36.89
This WotC-era promo was originally handed out at Pokémon League events in April 2000, making it one of the earliest promotional releases. Its Devolution Beam attack is quirky, and Ken Sugimori’s artwork cements its nostalgic feel. Price-wise, it climbed from $40.72 to $61.21 between February and March and is now holding steady around $55. For me, this card isn’t just about the value; it’s about holding a slice of Pokémon TCG history, back when promos were events in themselves.
8. Mew Black Star Promo 47 (Lillypad Mew)
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $68.70 | Market price: $68.62 | Last sold: $65.90
The Lillypad Mew is one of those cards that feels almost mythical among collectors. With its Neutral Shield Pokémon Power and adorable artwork, it became a fan favorite and was even reprinted in X and Y Evolutions. For years it hovered around $45–$50, but it’s seen a steady climb since mid-2024, now nearing $70. The market is finally giving these old promos the recognition they deserve, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one crack $100 soon. It’s a true piece of Pokémon promo history.
7. Charizard VSTAR SWSH262 Promo
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $72.93 | Market price: $69.61 | Last sold: $67.95
Charizard always carries weight in the hobby, and this promo from the Ultra Premium Collection is no exception. What makes it even more iconic is that its twin artwork features Mewtwo from Crown Zenith, capturing an epic battle on cardboard. Last year this card could be had for around $15, but since then it’s skyrocketed past $70. For a Charizard chase card, that’s still relatively affordable, and it feels like one of those promos that only gets more desirable as time goes on.
6. Ancient Mew Promo
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $84.98 | Market price: $90.78 | Last sold: $99.95
For anyone who grew up with Pokémon, Ancient Mew is pure nostalgia. Distributed to moviegoers at Pokémon the Movie 2000, it features runic text and a unique card back never used again in the TCG. Values have bounced around recently, with a big spike from $60 to over $90 last year, now plateauing at about $85. It’s not tournament legal, but that doesn’t matter — this is a card that embodies the magic of the early days of Pokémon, and one that will always draw eyes when you flip through a binder.
5. Rayquaza VMAX TG20/TG30 (Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery)
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $135 | Market price: $118.55 | Last sold: $65.68
Rayquaza is one of the most beloved legendaries in Pokémon history, and its Silver Tempest Trainer Gallery VMAX card is a stunning showcase. Starting at just under $40 in late 2024, it doubled by Jan and has only gone up since, hitting $135 today. With its powerful Azure Pulse ability and flashy artwork, this card captures everything people love about Rayquaza. Silver Tempest has become a set to watch, and cards like this are leading the charge.
4. Mewtwo VSTAR GG44/GG70 (Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery)
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $199 | Market price: $208.80 | Last sold: $199.99
Having Mewtwo and Charizard locked in battle on a single card was always going to be a hit. This Crown Zenith chase card started around $50 in Sept 2024 and more than doubled in early 2025, now pushing $200. It’s part of a twin artwork pairing with Charizard VSTAR, and the combination makes both cards more desirable. For me, this one represents the perfect crossover of nostalgia and modern collector demand.
Mashable Deals
3. Latias ex – 239/191 (Surging Sparks)
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $189 | Market price: $175.76 | Last sold: $175.99
Latias ex Special Illustration Rare has been a rollercoaster ride in terms of value. It peaked at $264 in late 2024 before dropping as low as $150 when Surging Sparks product flooded the market, and now it’s back up around $189. What makes this card special is its twinned art with Latios IR, forming a display-worthy duo. Beyond that, Latias is a fan favorite, and its Skyliner ability adds a touch of playability. This is one of those cards that feels undervalued in the long run.
2. Greninja ex – 214/167 (Twilight Masquerade)
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $342.44 | Market price: $346.17 | Last sold: $320.72
Greninja is easily one of the most popular starters of the modern era, and its Special Illustration Rare from Twilight Masquerade has been nothing short of wild in terms of market movement. After climbing as high as $410 earlier this year, it dipped to $260 before rebounding to over $340. Graded 10 copies are approaching $1,000, which is insane for a modern card. The artwork, the competitive relevance, and the fanbase make this a must-have.
1. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat 085 Promo
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Current price: $700.78 | Market price: $492.50 | Last sold: $699.99
This is the crown jewel of my collection. The so-called “Van Gogh Pikachu” caused chaos when it was released at the Van Gogh x Pokémon exhibit, and later through Pokémon Center orders. What started at under $100 a year ago has exploded to nearly $700 today, with no signs of slowing down. It’s not just about scarcity — it’s about the cultural crossover between Pokémon and art. This is one of those cards that transcends the TCG and destined to hit $1,000 sooner rather than later.
