Best Pokémon Cards to Invest In

Investing in Pokémon cards is all about finding the right cards. Unfortunately, the famous words “Gonna Catch ‘Em All” from the Pokémon theme don’t apply here. 

But what does the right card even mean? In general, we call that unique and rare Pokémon cards. Those hold the best value and offer the highest appreciation potential. Finding them, however, can be tricky and, well, expensive. 

The rarest Pokémon cards are worth thousands of dollars. Not to mention that finding them in top condition is often impossible. 

That is why, if you’re new to Pokémon card investing, you’ll really appreciate what we’ve prepared for you today. Below, you’ll find a list of the best Pokémon cards to buy today. Even better, all those cards are available at friendly pricing points, making them a perfect starting point for those new to Pokémon investments. 

7 Best Pokémon Cards to Invest in 2025

#1 Umbreon 25th Anniversary

Released as part of Pokémon’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations, this Umbreon card features a gold star rarity and a nostalgic throwback to earlier Gold Star cards from the EX series.

Why it might be a good investment? Umbreon is one of the most beloved Eeveelutions, and it is consistently popular among collectors. Additionally, anniversary cards tend to hold and grow in value due to their commemorative status.

• Current Value: PSA 10 versions of the Umbreon 25th Anniversary card are currently valued at approximately €66 (Card Market).

• Projected Value: Due to its limited release and Umbreon’s enduring fanbase, demand for this card is expected to rise, potentially even doubling its value over the next 5–10 years.

#2 Sylveon VMAX Trainer Gallery (TG)

Part of the Trainer Gallery subset, the Sylveon VMAX card features spectacular artwork of the Fairy-type Eeveelution alongside its Trainer. In fact, this unique design is what makes this card such a great potential investment.

The Trainer Gallery cards are known for their premium appeal, and Sylveon’s fanbase bolsters its desirability. Its VMAX form is also a competitive powerhouse in gameplay, adding another layer to its potential future value appreciation.

• Current Value: Ungraded cards are available for €25, while mint-condition PSA10 cards are valued at twice that price (TCG Player).

• Projected Value: As Trainer Gallery cards become scarcer, their value could rise, particularly if Sylveon remains a fan favourite. By how much, it’s difficult to say, but the card has already seen a steady value increase for the past few years. 

#3 Shining Arceus

The part of the shining card collection, the Shining Arceus, portrays this beloved Pokémon with a distinct holographic foil effect that contrasts with its surrounding artwork.

Shining Arceus combines the charm of Legendary Pokémon with a unique aesthetic. Its association with Arceus, the “God” Pokémon, boosts its status further, making it a great potential card investment. 

• Current Value: At the moment, the Shining Arceus card is available at a very low price point of approximately $15 for ungraded pieces. PSA10 cards, however, are valued at $76.53, showcasing its potential (Price Charting).

• Projected Value: With steady demand for Shining cards, there could be a modest increase over time, particularly as Arceus remains a central figure in the Pokémon lore.

#4 Koraidon SIR

Koraidon, one of the new Legendary Pokémon from Scarlet & Violet, has a Special Illustration Rare card featuring stunning artwork and vibrant design.

As a Legendary Pokémon from a new generation, Koraidon appeals to both players and collectors. Early-release cards of new Legendaries often gain value over time, showcasing their potential for investors seeking relatively affordable cards for their portfolio. 

• Current Value: Approximately $30–$50 for near-mint versions (Price Charting).

• Projected Value: This card has strong growth potential as interest in Scarlet & Violet matures and the competitive scene adapts.

#5 Raikou V Alt Art

This Alternate Art Raikou V card features unique artwork that sets it apart from standard cards. It is a desirable collector’s item and, potentially, a great card for investors. 

There are two key reasons why this card can be a solid investment. One, Legendary Pokémons, especially from the Johto region, remain a staple for collectors. And two, the Alternate Art style is highly sought after, adding to its appeal. 

• Current Value: From $20 to even $80, depending on the card’s condition (Price Charting).

• Projected Value: With time, this card’s unique art could make it a standout investment, potentially doubling in value over the next 5–10 years.

#6 Shiny Charizard VMAX

The Shiny Charizard VMAX, part of the Shining Fates expansion, is a highly sought-after card featuring the iconic Charizard in its striking black-scaled shiny form. 

Known as the crown jewel of the set, it appeals to collectors and investors due to Charizard's enduring popularity and historical significance in the Pokémon franchise. Its desirability and strong demand among collectors make it a standout investment option within modern Pokémon TCG releases.

• Current Value: $75 for ungraded cards and $176 for PSA10, mint-condition items (Price Charting).

• Projected Value: Due to collectors' consistent demand for Charizard, the card’s value is expected to increase steadily, especially for PSA 10-graded copies. 

#7 Articuno GX Rainbow

Articuno is one of the Legendary Birds from the original Pokémon games. All of its cards are usually in pretty high demand, and its Rainbow Rare GX card featuring a holographic rainbow fish is a perfect example of that. 

Why should you invest? Articuno’s nostalgic appeal and the rarity of Rainbow Rare cards make this a solid choice for investors. Additionally, the card is still available at a lower price point, which makes it a great option for beginners to Pokémon card investing. 

• Current Value: $20 for ungraded cards and even up to $100 for near-mint cards (Price Charting).

• Projected Value: Its status as a Legendary Pokémon ensures steady demand, which is further increased by its unique design. Gradual appreciation is expected.

Do Pokémon Cards Hold Value?

Absolutely! Pokémon cards have grown far beyond their roots as a childhood collectable. Over the years, they’ve evolved into a serious investment opportunity, with some cards fetching jaw-dropping prices at auctions. 

The value of these cards comes down to a mix of rarity, condition, and how much collectors and players want them. Iconic cards like Charizard or special releases like Gold Star cards have stood the test of time, with their worth only climbing higher. 

Sure, the market has its ups and downs, but Pokémon’s global popularity keeps demand strong. If you’ve got a card in mint condition, especially one that’s professionally graded, you could be sitting on a treasure that’s likely to grow in value. 

Assessing the Pokémon Card’s Value

Understanding what makes a Pokémon card valuable is key to maximising your investment. How to do it? There are several factors that influence the card’s worth, from its rarity to its condition and historical significance. Let’s break it down:

Card Rarity

Rarity is probably the biggest driver of any Pokémon card’s value. Cards like Special Illustration Rares, Gold Stars, or limited promotional releases are harder to come by, which naturally increases their desirability. The fewer copies available, the more collectors are willing to pay, especially for cards with a unique design or iconic Pokémon.

Condition and Grading

A card’s condition can make or break its value. Collectors prize cards that are in near-mint or mint condition, free of scratches, bends or fading. Professional grading services like PSA or Beckett play a huge role here, as a high-grade card - particularly a PSA 10 - can sell for much more than an ungraded counterpart.

Pokémon’s Popularity

Some Pokémon resonate more with fans and collectors. Icons like Charizard and Pikachu and Eeveelutions like Umbreon and Sylveon are fan favourites that consistently drive demand. Cards featuring these Pokémon tend to fetch higher prices, especially if they are rare or include unique artwork. Speaking of which…

Artwork and Design

Unique artwork makes a card stand out, often significantly impacting its desirability. Alternate Art and Special Illustration Rare cards often showcase one-of-a-kind designs that take their appeal beyond gameplay value.

Set and Edition

Cards from certain sets carry more weight in the market. First editions, shadowless variants, and anniversary releases often command higher prices due to their historical importance and limited availability. Modern sets also see spikes in value when they include standout cards, such as Shiny Charizard VMAX or Gold Star Umbreon.

Market Trends

The Pokémon card market is affected by collector trends, competitive play, and milestones related to the franchise. Cards tied to big events - like Pokémon anniversaries or game releases - often see temporary value boosts that might become permanent if demand stays high. 

How to Invest in Pokémon Cards

So yes, investing in Pokémon cards can be an exciting and rewarding venture. However, knowing which cards to invest in and the factors that affect their value is only the first step. Once you decide which card to invest in, you must then buy it. The only question is - where?

Whether you’re searching for a rare gem or looking to sell a prized card, there are several avenues you can explore, including:

Online Marketplaces 

The first and most popular option you have are online platforms like eBay or TCGPlayer. eBay offers a vast selection of graded and ungraded cards, with options to bid or buy outright, while TCGPlayer focuses more on trading card games. 

Facebook groups and Reddit communities, such as r/PokemonTCG, are also great for connecting with collectors and finding private sales, often at lower fees than commercial platforms.

The problem here, unfortunately, is that these platforms are full of scammers selling counterfeit cards. Some may also hide the card’s real condition. 

Auctions

Auction houses like Heritage Auctions, PWCC, and Goldin cater to high-end collectors but are not without drawbacks. For instance, sellers may face steep consignment fees, sometimes exceeding 20%, which can reduce overall profits. 

Buyers, on the other hand, need to contend with competitive bidding that may drive prices beyond market value, making it challenging to secure a card at a reasonable rate. Additionally, auctions can have longer turnaround times, meaning investors may wait months to see their cards sold.

Local Card Shops and Trade Shows

Local shops and trade shows offer a personal, hands-on experience but often lack the inventory of online platforms. Additionally, prices at shops may be marked up to account for overhead costs. Some stores may also offer lower buyback prices for cards than you might find selling privately. As for trade shows, negotiating can sometimes feel pressured, and it can be challenging to verify the authenticity or condition of a card on the spot.

Investment Funds Platforms: An Alternative Way to Invest in Best Pokémon Cards

Platforms like our own Splint Invest offer a modern alternative for those who want to invest in Pokémon cards without engaging in direct trading. 

Splint Invest allows users to buy shares in pre-vetted investment funds, including Pokémon cards, spreading their risk across multiple assets. This is particularly appealing for investors who may not have the time or expertise to navigate the Pokémon market independently. 

By pooling funds, Splint Invest gives you access to rare and high-value cards you might not afford on your own while benefiting from professional management and market expertise.

Key Takeaways 

Investing in Pokémon cards has evolved from a niche hobby to an exciting alternative investment opportunity. With the right approach, Pokémon cards can offer significant returns, driven by factors like rarity, condition, and cultural nostalgia. 

The cards we picked have a high chance of driving great returns in the future. Additionally, due to their still low price, they’re a great starting point for those new to Pokémon card investing or more experienced investors seeking new, low-cost opportunities. 

And for those looking to simplify their investment journey, Splint Invest provides a modern, hassle-free alternative.

So, are you ready to start your Pokémon card investment journey? Join Splint Invest today and gain access to expertly curated Pokémon card funds. 

Whether you’re new to the market or a seasoned collector, Splint Invest makes it easy to diversify your portfolio and tap into the growing value of these iconic collectables. Don’t wait - invest smarter with Splint Invest!