With the end of 2023 in sight, we have taken a look back at the top card releases of the year to compile a 2023 Top 10 Pokémon Cards.
The year 2023 began with the January release of Crown Zenith, the final set of the Sword and Shield Series. The Scarlet and Violet series launched March with the base set and then saw the release of a further expansion sets – Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, SV 151 and Paradox Rift. 2023 also saw the introduction of new rarity categories and the new Special Illustration Rare cards proved particularly popular.
Listed below are our 2023 Top 10 Pokémon cards based on their popularity, value and artwork.
2023 Top 10 Pokémon Cards
10. Gholdengo – 252/182 – Paradox Rift
At number 10 in our list is Gholdengo ex, a Special Illustration Rare card from the Paradox Rift expansion set. Gholdengo is noted for being number 1000 in the Pokédex and is comprised of 1000 Gimmighoul coins. It is depicted, arms folded, standing in front of a vault of golden coins. The card features the ‘Make it Rain’ move which deals 50 damage for any number of basic energy cards discarded in that turn. At the time of release the card was selling on Ebay UK for around £57 and Ebay.com for around $70. Over the month since release it has lost value, retailing for around £37 on Ebay UK and $42 on Ebay.com.
9. Skeledirge ex – 258/193 – Paldea Evolved
This Skeledirge ex card features the final evolution of Fuecoco and takes our number 9 place. The artwork depicts a busy street setting showing shops, people, traffic and Skeledirge. It has been selected both for its impressive HP of 340 and its detailed artwork. On the day before its June release this card could be purchased on Ebay UK for around £50 and Ebay.com for around $40. Six months later the card can be purchased on Ebay UK for around £14 and Ebay.com for around $15.
8. Miriam – 251/198 – Scarlet & Violet Base Set
Miriam is a fan-favourite Pokémon Trainer. This Special Illustration Rare card depicts Miriam tripping over while carrying a stack of books, sending them flying. The background, in pastel pink, blue and green, shows a variety of home-style scenes and a picture of Pikachu. Two days before set release, March 2023, it was selling on Ebay UK for around £120 and Ebay.com for around $140. By the end of the year its price has fallen considerably and can be purchased on Ebay UK for around £35 and Ebay.com for around $30.
7. Giratina VSTAR – GG69/GG70 – Crown Zenith
This gold card, from the Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery depicts Giratina in a gold and black landscape that suggests a path through dense woodland. One day before set release in January 2023, it was selling on Ebay UK for around £230 and Ebay.com for around $250. By December 2023 the price has dropped considerably and can be purchased on Ebay UK for around £65 and on Ebay.com for around $70.
6. Roaring Moon ex – 251/182 – Paradox Rift
Our sixth spot goes to Roaring Moon ex, from the Paradox Rift expansion which released in November 2023. This Special Illustration Rare card features the Ancient mechanic. The card sees an aggressive looking Roaring Moon with wings spread, startling nearby Pokémon. The day before set release it is selling on Ebay UK for around £110 and Ebay.com for around $125. One month after set release, in December 2023, its price has fallen slightly and can be purchased on Ebay UK for around £100 and on Ebay.com for around $110.
5. Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat – SVP086 – Promo Card
Fifth place in our 2023 Top 10 Pokémon Cards goes to arguably the most controversial card to be released this year – Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat SV085. This promo card was released in late September as part of a collaboration between the Pokémon company and the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands. The collaboration was a disaster as demand far exceeded supply. Nevertheless, the card, which depicts Pikachu wearing a grey felt hat in the style of the famous Van Gogh self Portrait, is an iconic card and deserving of a place in our 2023 Top 10 Pokémon Cards. The card was given away with purchases of $35 or more from Pokémon Centers or from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It’s value increased considerably almost immediately and is currently selling on Ebay UK for around £90 and on Ebay.com for around $130.
4. Charizard ex – 223/197 – Obsidian Flames
It would be surprising not to find a Charizard card in the 2023 top 10 Pokémon cards and Charizard ex 223/197, a special Illustration Rare card from the Obsidian Flames set, takes our fourth place. The card depicts terastalized Charizard as a Dark type Pokémon rather than its usual Fire type. The day before set release, 11th August 2023, it was selling on Ebay UK for around £130 and Ebay.com for around $110. At the end of the year the card can be found on Ebay UK for around £65 and on Ebay.com for around $70.
3. Miraidon ex – 244/198 – Scarlet & Violet Base Set
Our third place spot is taken by Miraidon ex from the Scarlet and Violet Base set. This Special Illustration Rare, full art card depicts Miraidon in an indoor setting. The depiction of cushions, seating and a table with a cake and glass suggests a café. At the time of release the card could be purchased on Ebay UK for around £100 and Ebay.com for around $100. By the end of the year the price has dropped considerably and can be found on Ebay UK for around £25 and Ebay.com for around $35.
2. Mewtwo VSTAR – GG44/GG70 – Crown Zenith
Crown Zenith was the final set of the Sword and Shield series and saw the release of a Galarian Gallery, forerunner of the Illustration and Special Illustration Rares. The full art Mewtwo VSTAR card from the set takes second place in our 2023 top 10 Pokémon cards. The stunning artwork sees Mewtwo in the foreground and Charizard in full flight in the background. Mewtwo is surrounded by flashes of fire and swirls of sparkling yellow. On the day before set release, 19th January 2023 it was selling for £145 on Ebay UK for around $170 and Ebay.com the day before set release. By year end its value has plummeted and can be purchased on Ebay UK for around £45 and on Ebay.com for around $45.
1. Iono – 269/193 – Paldea Evolved
Top spot on our 2023 Top 10 Pokémon Cards goes to the Paldea Evolved, Special Illustration Rare, Iono. The popular Pokémon trainer is depicted surrounded by a range of ice cream sundaes and ice cream cakes including an Eevee ice cream and a Pikachu ice cream cake. The day before set release it was selling on Ebay UK for around £120 and Ebay.com for around $150. At year end it can be purchased for around £55 on Ebay UK and $75 on Ebay.com.
