If you’re ripping Pokémon TCG booster packs in 2025, you’re likely chasing more than just nostalgia—you’re hunting for serious cardboard gold. The latest sets—Destined Rivals, Prismatic Evolutions, Twilight Masquerade, and Surging Sparks—have introduced a wave of highly valuable Secret Illustration Rares (SIRs), stunning alt-art cards, and nostalgic reimaginings that collectors are scrambling to pull.
Here’s your look at the 10 most expensive Pokémon cards you can still pull from booster packs right now, along with their current market values and the sets they hail from.
🔟 Lillie’s Clefairy ex (184/159) – Journey Together
💸 Market Value: ~$145
Despite being a top chase card of Journey Together, the hype has cooled down, making this card more affordable. Still, the charming artwork featuring fan-favorite Lillie and Clefairy makes this an iconic binder piece for collectors. It’s a reminder that not all hits stay in the stratosphere—but they sure do shine.
9️⃣ Team Rocket’s Moltres ex (229/182) – Destined Rivals
💸 Market Value: ~$199.99
A fiery tribute to the classic Team Rocket era, this Moltres ex-card is packed with energy—literally and figuratively. Between Flame Screen and Evil Incineration, it’s not only a collectible but a beast on the battlefield. It’s one of the most eye-catching pulls from Destined Rivals.
8️⃣ Latias ex (239/191) – Surging Sparks
💸 Market Value: ~$194.99
Paired with Latias in a breathtaking illustration, this Latias’ ex-SIR features a dreamy sunset palette and slick mechanics. The ability to retreat and strike makes it a versatile card in decks and a visual standout in any collection.
7️⃣ Roaring Moon ex (162/131) – Prismatic Evolutions
💸 Market Value: ~$219.99
Straight out of Area Zero lore, this ancient Pokémon card looks like a myth come to life. The artistic detail and cave-painting-style design have made Roaring Moon ex a fan favorite, and its value reflects that.
6️⃣ Cynthia’s Garchomp ex (232/182) – Destined Rivals
💸 Market Value: ~$256.20
This card oozes power, drama, and anime nostalgia. With a stadium backdrop that screams Pokémon League, Cynthia’s Garchomp is a standout example of Destined Rivals’ top-tier artwork. It remains a major chase for competitive and collector players alike.
5️⃣ Pikachu ex (238/191) – Surging Sparks
💸 Market Value: ~$295
Still riding the wave of the late-2024 TCG boom, Pikachu ex-SIR has become a modern classic. The soft, painterly artwork combined with the most recognizable Pokémon in the world makes this a high-demand collectible, especially as we transition out of the Scarlet & Violet era.
4️⃣ Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex (230/182) – Destined Rivals
💸 Market Value: ~$299.95
Bringing Johto nostalgia in full force, Ethan’s Ho-Oh evokes memories of the anime’s early years and the first-ever tease of Gen 2. The art style and storytelling make this card emotional and collectible gold for veteran fans.
3️⃣ Greninja ex (214/167) – Twilight Masquerade
💸 Market Value: ~$344.99
The Greninja ex-SIR is pure visual magic, making it one of the best cards in Twilight Masquerade. It might not be the most expensive, but its intricate design and stealthy elegance have made it a top-tier pull—and an excellent candidate for grading.
2️⃣ Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (231/182) – Destined Rivals
💸 Market Value: ~$459.88
Dripping with nostalgia, this card brings back the dark, rebellious energy of Mewtwo in its prime. Destined Rivals continues to deliver with this powerhouse SIR that’s quickly becoming a modern grail for collectors of legendary Pokémon.
1️⃣ Umbreon ex (161/131) – Prismatic Evolutions
💸 Market Value: ~$1,095
No surprise here—Umbreon ex tops the list with a value soaring past $1,000. The dark-type fan-favorite never fails to command attention in any setting, and this card is shaping up to be the next Moonbreon in terms of hype and long-term value.
🌟 Honorable Mentions: The Eeveelutions
The Eeveelution chase cards from Prismatic Evolutions deserve a shout-out. While Glaceon ex and Espeon ex aren’t quite at Umbreon’s price tier, they offer gorgeous designs and steadily rising values. Expect these cards to gain traction as sealed products for Prismatic Evolutions become more scarce.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Expensive Pokémon Card
Q1. What is the most expensive Pokémon card?
As of 2025, the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold is the Illustrator Pikachu, often referred to as the “Holy Grail” of Pokémon TCG. This card was initially awarded to winners of an art contest in Japan in 1998 and is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 40 known copies in existence.
Q2. What’s the most expensive Pokémon card?
The Pikachu Illustrator card holds the record for being the most valuable Pokémon card in history. Graded copies of this card have sold for millions of dollars at auction, with a PSA 10 (Gem Mint) selling for $5.275 million in a private sale in 2021, famously purchased by YouTuber Logan Paul.
Q3. What is the most expensive Pokémon card in the world?
Globally, the most expensive Pokémon card remains the 1998 Illustrator Pikachu, especially in pristine graded condition. Its extreme rarity, historical significance, and collector demand make it the most valuable card across international markets.
Q4. What is the most expensive Pokémon card currently?
Among current in-print or tournament-legal cards, Umbreon ex (161/131) from Prismatic Evolutions is among the top contenders, selling for over USD 1,000. However, this pales in comparison to vintage trophy cards or ultra-rare promotional prints like the Illustrator Pikachu.
Q5. How much is the most expensive Pokémon card worth?
The most expensive Pokémon card ever sold, the Illustrator Pikachu (PSA 10), fetched USD 5.275 million. Other rare cards, such as Trophy Kangaskhan, 1st Edition Charizard (Shadowless), and No. 1 Trainer cards, also reach six-figure price tags in auctions.