With their value currently at an all-time high, there really is some serious money to be made selling Pokemon cards. Sadly though, it's not quite as simple as finding old cards at bargain prices and then flipping them for profit, as a card's age and rarity are not always reflected in its value. Instead, would-be traders need to invest their time as well as their money in order to get a better idea of what everything is really worth.

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While holographic and first edition cards are typically the most desirable, there are also quite a few starter Pokemon cards that can hold a lot of value. Whether because of the fond memories people have of using these Pokemon in the games or simply the result of there being so many of them, certain versions can sell for thousands of dollars. Of course, they're not all going to make you rich though.

Updated July 6, 2022 by Jessica Filby: With the announcement of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet gracing the video game industry, fans have flocked back to the extensive world and the lore around it. Such a well-loved world only heightens the demand and rarity of certain Pokemon cards as players new and old revisit the nostalgia that classic starter Pokemon bring. This demand brings in some relatively pricey cards that anyone would love to get their hands on. As time develops new cards take the reins as the most valuable whereas others seem to drop in rarity. Buying and selling these can be big money or even bigger losses. Here are some well worth keeping in your roster.

9 Pikachu Illustrator

Pikachu Illustrator cards

Pikachu cards are often favorites among the Pokemon community. This is no exception and is so rare that with only 39 officially distributed, selling one of these can fetch over a million dollars in some instances.

The reason why there are so few available is due to the fact that this is a prize for winners of the 1998 CoroCoro Illustration contest meaning you would have to win to even get hold of it. Alternatively, you could spend a few million to get hold of one, if you can find any available.

8 Trophy Pikachu Gold 1998

Trophy Pikachu Gold 1st 2nd and 3rd cards

In almost direct comparison to the Illustrator card, the Trophy Pikachu card is equally as rare and was only given to the winners of the Japanese Lizardon Mega Battle Pokemon Tournament. The first place, second place, and third place winners were each given a card reflecting their place, only the winner got the gold.

While there are only around 39 Illustrator cards, there are rumored to be around 14 of these in circulation so having one is both a rarity and a blessing as these sell for upwards of $300,000. It may not be as valuable as the Illustrator, but this card is well worth having if you can find one.

7 Pikachu On The Ball

Pikachu On The Ball (Pokemon card)

The Pikachu on the Ball card is an incredibly rare one indeed. Not only was it never made available in packs, but it was only ever given to members of the English FA's Pokemon Youth Futsal Program. Even then, people had to go out of their way to request a copy.

Its rarity alone makes it a highly desirable card, but it's also coveted for its powerful moveset. With a 50% chance of dealing 120 damage, its Lightning Shot attack is incredibly overpowered for a basic card. It's for this reason that the once free card has sold for more than $1,000 on multiple occasions in the past.

6 EX Team Rocket Returns Mudkip

Mudkip Holo Gold Star card in plastic case

It's pretty baffling how one version of Mudkip can be worth so much when the others hold so little value. As with most things though, it likely just comes down to supply and demand and there is plenty of the latter for this gold star card.

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Even ungraded copies of the card have sold for as much as $750, with mint condition cards usually selling for thousands of dollars. It's the kind of card that many collectors will have just forgotten about or assumed would be worthless, so if you have one, better get selling!

5 1995 Rare Charmander

1995 Rare Charmander Pokemon card

As soon as you get to the first-gen starters, collectors begin making some money. It's interesting that most Pokemon like Venusaur and Blastoise make an average amount of money, yet when it comes to Charmander and Charizard, the value practically doubles!

Worth around $1999, this 1995 rare Charmander card (from the Team Rocket set) is in wonderful condition, is a 1st edition, and is surprisingly valuable, especially since they seem to be for sale everywhere ranging from $50-$2000!

4 1st Edition Pikachu (Red Cheeks)

First edition Pikachu Pokemon card

Whilst the 1st edition Squirtle card isn't worth the world, this Pikachu one certainly is. What makes it so valuable is how rare it is, especially since there are actually two versions of this, one with red cheeks (the original) and one with yellow cheeks (changed by WOTC). Therefore, the red cheeks edition is much more valuable.

Coming in at an average of $400 (can be much higher depending on quality), this card is particularly sought after and if any collectors have one, you could make some pretty good money!

3 Torchic Gold Star

Torchic Gold Star Pokemon card in plastic case

For some reason, this card is just over-the-top kind of valuable! Selling on eBay for a whopping $1,525.00, this Torchic Gold Star Ex Team Rocket Returns card is clearly sought after and in the condition, it's listed as, definitely a good quality card!

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What makes this really interesting is that, whilst Torchic is cute, it certainly isn't powerful, or a 1st edition! Ultimately, it's in great quality and is clearly a very popular card to buy and sell!

2 Pikachu Promo Misprint

Pokemon movie Pikachu card art

There have been plenty of promotional Pokemon cards released over the years, but few are quite as valuable as one of the ones that were released to celebrate the first Pokemon movie. There were millions of them handed out across the world, but thanks to a printing error, some are worth quite a lot of money.

While a regular version of the card typically sells for around $50, the misprint regularly goes for around $3,000. It's unclear exactly how the first movie stamp came to be inverted nor is it known how many of the cards are out there, which probably contributes a lot to the card's high value.

1 Base 1st Edition Bulbasaur

Base first Edition Bulbasaur Pokemon card

Imagine making $20,000 on a single Pokemon card! Well if you have a first edition Bulbasaur in mint condition then it's entirely possible! This famous and well-loved Pokemon has everything, rarity, popularity, and great condition meaning that this price is pretty realistic.

What really sets this card apart from others like it is that it's ranked as a grade 10 in its condition, meaning it's pristine. This is not an easy grade to get so having one of these is extremely valuable in itself.

NEXT: The Best Shiny Pokemon Cards, Ranked And How Much They're Worth