Biggest TCGplayer Pokemon card sales in 2023

Pokemon TCG card marketplace TCGPlayer posted a list of rare and valuable cards that sold at auction on eBay for the biggest prices in 2023, so we’re breaking it down for you.

Pokemon TCG fans are never short of things to buy, and 2023 was a hectic year with releases such as Pokemon TCG: Obsidian Flames, Pokemon TCG: 151, and the recent Pokemon TCG: Paradox Rift.

However, it’s not all about the latest cards, as collectors are often trying their best to unearth some hidden gems lost to time or to finally get their hands on an elusive chase card from years ago. As such, the Pokemon TCG store TCGPlayer is looking at the biggest Pokemon TCG purchases of 2023.

The cards listed feature some of the rarest and most expensive Pokemon cards of the day. Among these are (of course) Charizard, and notably, there are 6 waifu cards from the Japanese Extra Battle Day event. There are even some unique test print cards and other classics in the pack.

Although rarity continues to be a deciding factor for buyers, it’s also worth paying attention to trends like Waifu tax, cult favorite cards like the Eeveelutions, and popular characters when buying Pokemon cards.

Top 10 most expensive Pokemon card sales in 2023

The biggest Pokemon TCG card sales of 2023 on the top 10 were:

• 1. Base set #4 Charizard, 1st Edition – CGC 10 Grade – $76,300.00
• 2. L-P Promo Dasuki Club Holo Umbreon #54 – PSA 10 Grade – $49,999.00
• 3. Gold Star Holo Rayquaza #107 – PSA 10 Grade – $48,598.00
• 4. SM-P Promo Lillie Extra Battle Day #397 – PSA 9 Grade – $46,500.00
• 5. SM-P Promo Lillie Extra Battle Day #397 – PSA 9 Grade – $43,443.00
• 6. “Disco” Test Print Shadowless Charizard – CGC 7 – $40,000
• 7. SM-P Prom Extra Battle Day Lillie #397 – PSA 10 – $37,000
• 8. Base Set #4 1st Edition Holo Charizard – PSA 9 – $34,999.99
• 9. SM Promo #395 PSA 10 FA Acerola – PSA 10 – $34,000
• 10. SM-P Promo Lillie Extra Battle Day #397 – PSA 10 – $33,100.00

Why were these Pokemon cards so valuable to collectors?

All cards on the list are rare, and they have interesting backgrounds. To begin, the test print CGC-graded Charizard lacks a Charmeleon in the evolution box. That’s possibly because designers were tinkering with elements for future prints.

The beautiful disco ball pattern is also notable, as it’s unique to this test print card. The card’s square cut has no edges, as it was likely cut from one of these original sheets.

The distinct holo foil was often a result of test runs that Wizards of the West Coast conducted on multiple kinds of cards.

Then there’s Extra Battle Day Lillie, which is one of the rarest and most expensive Pokemon TCG cards ever sold. The card was incredibly difficult to get ahold of in the first place. That’s partly because of the layers of competition in the Extra Battle Day event, which even featured a bout of rock, paper, scissors. The card also suffered a price hike from Pokemon card waifu tax. The same goes for another Extra Battle Day winner’s prize, the supporter card, Acerola.

Umbreon, another fan favorite filled the number two spot on the list. This PSA 10-mint card came from a membership-only Japanese fan club. To get the card, players had to complete activities, and after accumulating 7,200 points they could trade for a Daisuki Espeon or Umbreon with unique art.

All of the cards above were graded, which is one of the best ways to determine the authenticity of a card and increase its value. It’s important to note that whilst a Gem Mint 10 is a great score, lower-graded cards may still prove more expensive.

Meaning is everything to collectors, and when a card has an amazing story behind it, that alone can secure it a prized spot in the eyes and hearts of Pokemon card investors and collectors. Who knows what this list will look like next year?