The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has become a phenomenon over the years, attracting collectors, enthusiasts, and investors from all corners of the globe. With each expansion, the game continues to evolve, but the allure of the original and rare cards remains a constant. Among the rarest and most sought-after cards are the ones from the Pokémon TCG's history that have skyrocketed in price due to their rarity, condition, and the nostalgia they invoke.

If you're a serious collector or simply curious about the most expensive Pokémon TCG cards in the market, here’s a look at the Top 10 Most Expensive Pokémon TCG Pocket Cards to Buy.

1. Pikachu Illustrator Card

• Average Price: $5,000,000+
• Release Date: 1998
• Why It’s Expensive: The Pikachu Illustrator card is the Holy Grail of Pokémon TCG. It was awarded to winners of the 1997 and 1998 Pokémon Illustrator contests in Japan. With only 39 copies believed to exist, the card is considered one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever produced. Its high price tag comes from its scarcity and status as a symbol of Pokémon TCG history.

2. 1st Edition Charizard (Shadowless)

• Average Price: $500,000+
• Release Date: 1999
• Why It’s Expensive: Charizard has long been one of the most popular and iconic Pokémon. The 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard card is a particularly prized version due to its age, rarity, and the fact that it lacks a shadow on the right side of the Pokémon’s image, making it even more valuable. In mint condition, it can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.

3. 1999 1st Edition Holo Lugia

• Average Price: $400,000+
• Release Date: 1999
• Why It’s Expensive: Lugia’s 1st Edition Holo card from the Neo Genesis set is a highly coveted item. It’s not only a beautiful card featuring the Legendary Pokémon Lugia but also a key card from the classic Neo Genesis expansion. Due to its age and the fact that high-grade copies are extremely rare, it’s considered one of the top Pokémon cards to own.

4. Blastoise 1st Edition (Shadowless)

• Average Price: $250,000+
• Release Date: 1999
• Why It’s Expensive: Along with Charizard and Venusaur, Blastoise is one of the original Kanto starters and remains a highly prized card. The 1st Edition Shadowless Blastoise is notable because of the rarity of high-graded versions, and the lack of a shadow on the right of the Pokémon’s image makes it even more desirable for collectors.

5. Master's Key

• Average Price: $150,000+
• Release Date: 2010
• Why It’s Expensive: The Master’s Key card is a special promo card awarded to winners of the 2010 Pokémon World Championships. Only a handful of these cards were produced, and they’re seen as a significant part of Pokémon TCG’s competitive history. As a result, they command a hefty price tag.

6. Trophy Pikachu Cards

• Average Price: $100,000+
• Release Date: 1997
• Why It’s Expensive: The Trophy Pikachu cards were awarded to the top competitors in the 1997 Pokémon World Championships. These cards are considered one of the most prestigious in the Pokémon TCG, and only a few copies exist. Their unique design and limited release contribute to their high value.

7. Shining Charizard (Neo Destiny)

• Average Price: $75,000+
• Release Date: 2002
• Why It’s Expensive: The Shining Charizard from the Neo Destiny set is one of the most sought-after cards in the Pokémon community. Unlike the regular Charizard, this version features a shiny, dark-colored Charizard, and it was released in a special Shining Pokémon subset. Its rarity and the love for the Charizard character make it a prized collectible.

8. Pre-release Raichu

• Average Price: $50,000+
• Release Date: 1998
• Why It’s Expensive: The Pre-release Raichu is the subject of much debate, as there are conflicting reports on how many were actually printed. Allegedly, it was a test card created in very limited numbers, and only a handful exist. If it’s genuine, it is one of the rarest cards in the Pokémon TCG world, fetching tens of thousands of dollars.

9. 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Chansey

• Average Price: $40,000+
• Release Date: 1999
• Why It’s Expensive: Chansey is a beloved classic Pokémon, and the 1st Edition Shadowless Chansey from the base set has become a highly valuable card. Its value stems from its iconic status in the original set, its collectible nature, and the rarity of high-quality versions.

10. Shining Mew (Neo Destiny)

• Average Price: $35,000+
• Release Date: 2002
• Why It’s Expensive: Like Shining Charizard, Shining Mew is part of the Shining Pokémon subset in Neo Destiny. The card’s rarity, its status as one of the rarest Mew cards in existence, and the popularity of Mew among fans make it a must-have for serious collectors.