MODERN POKEMON
Special Delivery Pikachu #074
2020 Pokemon Center Canada
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
The Special Delivery Pikachu is a lightning-type basic pokemon from the SWSH Black Star Promos. The limited card was released to celebrate the Pokemon Center site beginning operation in Canada. In order to even obtain this card, customers had to spend $20 or more on the site.
Giratina V
2022 Pokemon – Alternate Art
Lost Origin 186/196
CGC Grade: MINT+ 9.5
This difficult to pull, unique and colorful artwork, relatively “popular” legendary Pokémon all adds up to a highly sought-after card. The dragon from the Lost Origin set of 2022, had a low pull rate. The extremely-low pull rates, plus amazing art, meant this was one popular Pokemon. Some earlier doubters were confused by the busy background, but that is also what gives it such a unique look. It was illustrated by Shinji Kanda.
Kanazawa’s Pikachu HOLO
2020 Japanese Pokemon
Sword & Shield Promos – 144/S-P
Pokemon Center -Kanazawa’s Opening
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This S-P Promotional Pikachu is one of two cards simultaneously released, in Japan, on November 20th, 2020. One print was given to customers visiting any Pokémon Center and Pokémon Store in celebration of the opening of Pokémon Center Kanazawa. This print is Holofoil, numbered 144/S-P, and has the Pokémon Center Kanazawa logo in the bottom right corner of the illustration. Another print was included in the Kanazawa Open Commemoration Special Box, sold at Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Stores, and on the Pokémon Center Online. This print is Mirror Holofoil, numbered 147/S-P, and has no logo.
Charizard EX
2023 Illustration Rare
Obsidian Flames 223/197
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This might be the neatest Charizard that’s been produced in a few years, even coming close or better than the 151. The wings are gorgeous, and the art is absolutely killer. Some aren’t the biggest fans of Terra Transformations, but you can get past the hat and the shine/texture of the card steals the show. The gold Charizard is the secret rare in the set, as this silver version is the Illustration Rare.
People have, and always will love Charizard, it’s the Coca-Cola of Pokemon, and the colors on this one really pop. While new fans never had the opportunity to own any of the vintage Charizards (and won’t unless they have significant funds), these new Charizards give them a chance to pull and own one.
Pikachu Grey Felt Hat
2023 Pokemon SVP #085
Pokemon v Van Gogh
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
This SVP Black Star Promo Pikachu is inspired by Van Gogh’s self-portrait with Grey Felt Hat from 1887. Launched to attract a younger demographic to the Van Gogh Museum, these Pikachus have seen quite a demand jump since release.
The card was produced as part of the “Pokemon x Van Gogh” collaboration between The Pokemon Company International and the Van Gogh Museum, to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The primary campaign ran in the Van Gogh Museum from September 28th, 2023 until January 7th, 2024.
The card could be obtained by participating in the Van Gogh Museum's "Pokémon Adventure" activity, where visitors were given an activity leaflet and led through the museum to learn about various Vincent van Gogh artworks and the "Pokémon at the Van Gogh Museum" pieces inspired by them. Once participants completed the Pokémon Adventure activity, they could turn in their completed activity leaflet for the promo card. This card could also be obtained outside of the museum as a bonus with purchase of any "Pokémon Center x Van Gogh Museum" merchandise available online at the Pokemon Center website.
Fear of missing out (on investment opportunities) led to massive hype over this singular card. Simply, it comes down to supply and demand. Although there were a lot of these cards given away, it’s also been awhile since they were available. Many folks sold and graded the ones they wanted to part with (early on), so the demand is still higher than supply. Good Pikachu art is always very popular, and it’s no surprise that this one seems to remain so popular
Mew EX 232/091
2024 Pokemon
Paldean Fates
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This Special illustration rare print comes from Paldean Fates in 2024. Mew was included as a regular card, a Full Art ultra-rare card, a special illustration rare card, and a gold-etched hyper rare card in the Japanese Pokemon Card 151 subset. The regular, ultra-rare and hyper rare prints were included in the English 151 expansion.
The special illustration rare print was made into an SVP Black Star Promo available in the 151 Ultra-Premium Collection released on October 6th, 2023, which also included a metal version of the hyper-rare print. The special illustration rare print features artwork by Natsumi Yoshida. Fear of missing out (on investment opportunities) led to massive hype over this singular card. Simply, it comes down to supply and demand. Although there were a lot of these cards given away, it’s also been awhile since they were available. Many folks sold and graded the ones they wanted to part with (early on), so the demand is still higher than supply. Good Pikachu art is always very popular, and it’s no surprise that this one seems to remain so popular
Birthday Pikachu
2000 Pokemon 24
Black Star Promos – HOLO
Wizards Mail Giveaway
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This Black Star Promo Pikachu attack comes with its’ own birthday surprise: if it's not your birthday, this attack does 30 damage. If it is your birthday, flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 30 damage plus 50 more damage; if tails, this attack does 30 damage. This promo card, often referred to as "Happy Birthday Pikachu," was released in 2000 to Pokémon fans who participated in the "Create your own Pokémon Card" campaign. The blank space is for writing your own name, and finding one that isn’t drawn on can be quite the challenge.
In June 1999, Wizards of the Coast launched the first Pokémon League using their Magic: The Gathering DCI Tournament structure. This first league, a prototype meant to test player interest in competitive play, was called the “Pokémon League Summer Training Tour.” Beginning at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stores across 19 cities hosted both TCG and Game Boy tournaments for kids ages 7-14. Once the 19-city tour finished, Wizards of the Coast implemented their leagues country-wide, with tournaments being held in all of its stores, bookstores, Toys “R” US stores, game shops and more.
This structure continued for two years. Year two introduced the second generation of Pokémon, including the Johto series of cards, Johto badges, new prizes and the introduction of “League Activities.” Players who earned the Zephyr Badge by completing a challenge would be allowed to participate in the “Create a Baby Pokémon” Contest — the same contest that won the top 16 entries their “Ivy” Pikachu promos.
Meanwhile, every participant was mailed a special Birthday Pikachu promo card. This card was officially titled ____’s Pikachu, so that participants could personalize their own copy. This promo card is extremely popular among collectors; so popular, in fact, that The Pokémon Company reprinted it for the series’ 25th anniversary set.
Cubone 104
2023 Pokemon Reverse HOLO
Marc Thompson Autograph/Sketch
PSA Grade: Authentic Auto
Cubone is a fighting-type basic pokemon, and this one comes from the Japanese 151 expansion. He wears a skull of its’ deceased mother as a helmet, and carries a bone as a weapon and for digging. Illustrated by Shinya Jomatsu, it’s a stunning card alone as a reverse Holo.
This particular card was signed in 2023 by Marc Thompson. Included with his signature is also a sketch of the pokemon and his bone. Thompson is an American voice actor for the English dub of Pokemon the Series, and Pokemon Horizons: The Series. To date, he is affiliated with Innovative Artists. This structure continued for two years. Year two introduced the second generation of Pokémon, including the Johto series of cards, Johto badges, new prizes and the introduction of “League Activities.” Players who earned the Zephyr Badge by completing a challenge would be allowed to participate in the “Create a Baby Pokémon” Contest — the same contest that won the top 16 entries their “Ivy” Pikachu promos.
Meanwhile, every participant was mailed a special Birthday Pikachu promo card. This card was officially titled ____’s Pikachu, so that participants could personalize their own copy. This promo card is extremely popular among collectors; so popular, in fact, that The Pokémon Company reprinted it for the series’ 25th anniversary set.
Venusaur ex SV2a
2023 Japanese Pokemon
Pokemon 151
184/165
CGC Grade: Pristine 10
This Super Rare Venusaur illustration comes from the 151 expansion, first released in the Japanese Pokemon Card 151 subset. The regular print features artwork by 5ban Graphics, but this illustration is a Planeta Yamashita artwork.
Ash’s Pikachu #SM112
2017 Black Star Promos
I Choose You! Purchase Campaign
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
Ash's Pikachu is a lightning-type basic pokemon from the SM Black Star Promo set. These were available in a pack given to customers who bought $25 of TCG products at select retails starting November 8th, 2017. Packs would contain 3 of 6 promotional cards, and were available in-store at GameStop and EB Games outside the USA. Online retailers included Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart and the online Pokemon Center. Both campaigns ran for as long as stocks lasted. The movie logo is featured in the bottom right corner of the illustration on both prints.
Ash has owned Pikachu since the first episode of Pokemon the Series. Quick Attack and Electro Ball are both moves in the Pokemon games that Pikachu can learn. This card features Pikachu wearing Ash’s cap as seen in Pokemon the Series: Black & White, and is based on one of the Pikachu in a cap distributed in the run-up to the release of the move “I Choose You!” Meanwhile, every participant was mailed a special Birthday Pikachu promo card. This card was officially titled ____’s Pikachu, so that participants could personalize their own copy. This promo card is extremely popular among collectors; so popular, in fact, that The Pokémon Company reprinted it for the series’ 25th anniversary set.
Lugia V
2022 Pokemon – Alt Art
Silver Tempest 186/195
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This colorless, 220HP pokemon was illustrated by Kawayoo. Some cards just look better in person, and this would be a perfect example. The alternative art from Silver Tempest is stunning, but fact is- it’s hard to find a bad Lugia card. Although Arita illustrated the common Lugia, this alt art version hides Lugia’s head in the shadow.
Pikachu on the Ball #001
2020 Pokemon Futsal
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
This card was included in Pokémon kit bundles sent to selected applicants of The FA Pokémon Youth Futsal Programme for the 2020-21 season. People wishing to register their interest could do so via email from September 11, 2020. This card features the Pokémon Futsal logo in the bottom right corner of the artwork. In September of 2019, Pokémon entered a three-year partnership with the EFA, English Football Association. This cross-promotion was conceived in hopes of increasing participation in the Futsal sport across the nation. To help incentivize people to sign up, special promotional material was produced in hopes of getting more people into the Futsal sport.
To acquire this merchandise, one would have to live in the UK and then you would need to sign up through the FA Pokémon Youth Futsal Program where you would be sent your merchandise. For the 20-21 season of Futsal, special TCG cards were produced to promote the Futsal event. Four of these promos featuring Eevee, Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble were set to be featured as special gifts through the retailer GAME. The 5th promo was the Pikachu promo which was set to be included in the kit bundled into selected applicants of the FA Pokémon Youth Futsal Program that season.
Alakazam EX 201/165
2023 Pokemon – Special Illustration Rare
Scarlet & Violet 151
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This Alt Full Art Alakazam, the extraordinary Psychic-type Pokémon, has a captivating origin story. This mystical creature traces its roots back to the ancient days of the Kanto region. Its previous forms, Abra and Kadabra, are known for their remarkable psychic abilities. This particular card was illustrated by Shinya Komatsu.
Dark Gengar #94
2001 Japanese Pokemon HOLO
Neo Destiny 4
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Neo Destiny is the name given to the fourth, and final, main expansion of cards from the Neo Series (or the neo Era in Japan). The set continues to feature Generation II pokemon in the card game.
Some find the art a bit.. odd, and seemingly so because most of the holofoil seems to be covered. Losing its’ shininess gives Gengar and even “creepier” look, but Aya Kusube illustrations can be equally as awesome.
Venusaur EX 198/165
2023 Pokemon- Special Illustration Rare
Scarlet & Violet 151
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This 340HP, Stage 2 pokemon was illustrated by Yoriyuki Ikegami. Blastoise’s pose may have been reminiscent of the Dark Blastoise, but Venusaur is certainly in their “stock” pose. The illustration rare is beautiful among other rares like Dragonair. It’s not the greatest set, but due to it bringing back so many people to the hobby; it will go down as a great set due to growing the hobby segment.