The top five Charizard Pokémon cards like the 1st Edition Holo, Shiny Neo Destiny, and Legendary Treasures could be worthwhile investments. Here’s a breakdown of their value, rarity, and potential ROI.
Updated May 25, 2023
Many companies on MoneyMade advertise with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear.
Art
Sports Cards
Collectibles
Long Term Growth
Investing in Pokémon cards might seem unusual, but high-profile sales like rapper Logic's $220,574 Charizard and YouTuber Logan Paul's $5.2 million Pikachu Illustrator show their potential value.
This resurgence in popularity makes them an intriguing option compared to traditional assets. For example, a $500 investment in the S&P 500 in 2017 would be worth around $1,500 today, while the same amount in a PSA 9 Charizard could’ve reached $5,500.
This difference highlights the appeal of alternative investments like Pokémon cards for those hunting high returns.
Pokemon TCG fans from the early 2000s know that the Charizard card was impossible to find. This rarity gradually boosted the worth of Charizard cards among investors. So a Charizard card opened in a $12 card pack a couple of decades ago could be worth thousands now.
A factory-sealed 1st Edition Pokémon TCG Booster Pack by Wizards of the Coast authenticated by its 20-gram mass.
Source: ebay.com
Shiny VMAX Charizard cards from Shining Fates have sold for around $209 and are now super popular thanks to influencers like Logan Paul driving demand and prices.
While Charizard cards are in high demand, collectors are also showing interest in unique alternatives like full-art cards from Sword and Shield expansions, XY Evolutions, shadowless cards, Legendary Collection, and Team Rocket expansions that are distinct and attention-grabbing.
From the coveted 1999 base set to highly sought-after later print runs, Pokémon card investing offers thrilling prospects. Collecting rare Pokemon cards melds a passion for the franchise with investment potential.
Keep an eye out for valuable Charizard cards that Pokemon card collectors and investors treasure—even team rocket tried to steal the fire-type dragon once.
PSA 10 Charizard Holo 1st Edition cards have sold for up to $300,000, highlighting their impressive value among collectors.
Source: PSAcard.com
At first glance, a PSA gem mint 1999 Pokémon First Edition Holographic Charizard cards might not appear extraordinary, but they're widely regarded as the holy grail of Pokémon trading cards. An iconic shadowless Charizard card fetched an astounding price of $420,000, marking it as one of the most expensive non-sports vintage trading card transactions.
While not as rare or valuable, a drop shadow base set Charizard card can also fetch up to six figures. With its holographic feature and perfect centering, the card's value has continually shown an upward trajectory, making it a potentially lucrative Pokémon card to collect.
In the Pokémon universe, encountering a shiny Pokémon can be lucrative due to their rarity and distinct coloration. With less than a one percent chance of appearing, they're highly sought-after by fans.
The shiny dark Charizard #107 is a prized collectible for Pokémon enthusiasts. A PSA 10-graded card has sold for as much as $25,000, making it one of the most expensive Charizard cards. An intriguing fact about this unique dark Charizard card is that the Neo Destiny set marks the last time Wizards of the Coast used their logo on Pokémon products.
A PSA 10 2003 Charizard Skyridge Holo #146 sold for $10,400 on eBay in April 2023.
Source: PSAcard.com
When the Pokemon Skyridge set was released in 2003, fans and collectors often overlooked it. This set included some stunning artwork of popular Pokemon, and this Charizard card was an excellent example: Cards graded PSA 10 have sold for $12,000 on average.
There are several unique aspects to this card. Unlike the typical Fire-type, the holographic card was colorless. However, the combination of fire energy tips, HP, and attack performance has not aged well, rendering the 2003 Skyridge Charizard card less useful in modern decks. Nevertheless, it remains highly collectible among vintage Pokemon card fans.
The 2013 Legendary Treasures Charizard Holo #19 has sold for up to $1,825.
Source: ebay.com
While this unique card may not rank among the most expensive Charizard Pokémon cards, it stands out due to its distinctive artwork. The stylistic approach presents Charizard in an action-filled pose, appearing edgier and departing from the usual cartoonish appearance.
This card from the Legendary Treasures expansion has not received much attention but is gaining popularity. This holographic Charizard could be an excellent long-term investment because a cool card like this has a good chance of going up in value within the collector community.
Prices for 2006 EX Crystal Guardians Charizard Holo #4 range from $76 to $5,800.
Source: PSAcard.com
This Delta Species Charizard is highly coveted among collectors for being both a metal and electric type, making it one of the most unique pieces from the Pokémon Trading Card Game. This could be a treasure for Pokemon TCG collectors who appreciate rare cards with unique attributes.
In addition to the standard version of this Charizard, there is also a reverse-holo variant with the Crystal Guardians stamp. This variant is just as desirable and would make an excellent addition to a collector’s deck. Keeping this card as a long-term investment might prove profitable—if you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition.
Not all Pokémon cards will rack up the Pokébucks, but certain rare cards are a game-changer for collectors. These rare cards flaunt unique features like holographic designs, Japanese prints, and exclusive "trophy cards." Remember, a rare Pokémon's condition is key.
As time passes, rare cards become rarer and more valuable to avid collectors—that’s the exact reason why old first-edition Charizard cards are the priciest. To keep your rarest Pokémon cards in mint condition, make sure to store them in protective plastic cases.
If you're thinking of hustling your collection, getting a professional grade for your rare Pokémon cards could be worth its weight in gold. PSA or BGS are the OGs in grading Pokémon cards (the same grading scale used for sports cards).
Remember that trading in Pokémon cards requires serious chutzpah, as there are no official prices in the market for these pieces of art. So, before jumping on the investment wagon, get acquainted with the market conditions for mint Charizard cards and take note of what prices they’re selling for.