The 10 Most Valuable Pokemon 151 Chase Cards
The more I look at Pokemon 151 cards, the more I realize how one-of-a-kind this set actually is. Not only is it exciting to be able to catch all of the original Kanto Pokemon, but they’ve never been this gorgeous before.
For this reason, Pokemon 151 is easily one of the best Pokemon packs on shelves right now (assuming you get lucky enough to find the rare and valuable packs). With beautiful illustration cards of the original 151 Pokemon, this is a memorable set to say the least.
But which 151 Pokemon cards are the most expensive?
Below, we’ll be looking at the top 10 hottest Pokemon 151 cards you can get from packs.
#10 Pikachu – Illustration Rare 173/165
A fun-filled celebration of Kanto Pokemon
Market price: $24.42
Although I may regret selling an Illustration Rare Wartortle I pulled from this pack, luckily I held onto this particular Illustration Rare Pikachu. I just couldn’t help but appreciate how cool this artwork is. And it includes Pokemon’s most iconic character, not to mention a lot of other Pokemon from the original 151. This illustration rare has retained value quite well so if you happen to have this one, it probably won’t hurt too much to hold onto it for a while.
#9 Charmeleon (169/165) Illustration Rare
Market price: $29.90
If you want to know where the money is at in the Pokemon 151 set, you can’t go wrong with the original starter Pokemon or their evolutions. Despite the fact that Charmeleon is not the most commonly thought of Pokemon (both its basic form and final evolution are far more popular), this card benefits from gorgeous artwork and including a Pokemon that will forever be part of the most iconic evolution line in Pokemon history.
#8 Bulbasaur - 166/165 Illustration Rare
Market price: $30.63
This card has great harmony with the epic Venusaur Special Illustration Rare further down this list. Although it’s less colorful than that card. Bulbasaur almost gets lost amidst the greenery here in this card, which is probably what the artist intended. After all it is sleeping peacefully, probably chilling out waiting for a trainer to come by and catch it.
#7 Alakazam ex – 201/165 –Special Illustration Rare
Market price: $37.15
Like most cards from this set, Alakazam has retained its value quite well. The artwork is pretty neat, too, with beautiful illustrations that brings to mind the Espeon V Alternate Art from Evolving Skies.
While Alakazam being in this list at all is somewhat historic due to a now lifted ban on Kadabra appearing in Pokemon cards, it’s great to see how valuable it is today.
Whether its the history lesson behind the Kadabra, or just general love for this oddball Pokemon, whatever the reason driving this card’s impressive market value, it’s likely to remain one of this set’s most desirable chase cards.
#6 Squirtle – 170/165 Illustration Rare
Market price: $39.13
The biggest change that’s happened since the last time we updated this list is that the two other first generation starters have joined Charmander on this list of most valuable Pokemon 151 cards. Those starters are, of course, incredibly popular Pokemon, so it makes sense they would be highly sought after. It doesn’t hurt that their artwork is gorgeous and this Squirtle splashing playfully in the waves is particularly breathtaking.
#5 Charmander – 168/165 Illustration Rare
Market price: $41.53
The Charmander Illustration Rare has continued its upward trajectory since the release of Pokemon 151, and is now worth more than it was upon initial release.
While it’s a little surprising that this card is fairing so well, I suppose it shouldn’t be. The card features beautiful artwork, while the solitary vibe brings to mind the Charmander Ash found in the original show (and Red found in the games). It’s possible that this card will continue to fair well on the singles market given its beauty and nostalgic pull.
#4 Zapdos ex – 202/165 Special Illustration Rare
Market price: $50
For fans of the original Pokemon games, it doesn’t get much better than this. Seeing all three legendary birds soaring through the skies over Kanto is the stuff of Pokemon fans’ dreams, and boy did they deliver in this gorgeous and action-oriented card.
#3 Venusaur ex –198/165 Special Illustration Rare
Market price: $53.03
Goodness gracious is this a stellar card or what? When the set came out, it was quite simply the most beautiful card I had seen in a long time – with everything from the color scheme to the composition adding up to what should rightfully be one of the most iconic cards of this defining set. It’s held up incredibly well with time, as well.
The original starter Pokemon pretty much dominate this list, and rightfully so. They’re among the most popular Pokemon of all time, and their illustration forms do them more justice than perhaps any other cards in history.
#2 Blastoise ex – 200/165 Special Illustration Rare
Market price: $61.97
This Blastoise ex is probably my favorite card from the entire set. The cool, minimalistic beauty of this card was incredibly well thought out, making it the most gorgeous Blastoise card of all time. At its current price tag, it’s actually quite affordable, making for a great opportunity for collectors to add memorable card from a memorable set to their collection.
#1 Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare
The most expensive Pokemon 151 card
Market price: $189.53
After the blinged out, tricked out, Dark type Charizard from Obsidian Flames, this simplistic design is a welcome return to the Charizard we all know and love. In some ways, it seems to be saying “I know I’m going to be the top chase card from this set. I don’t even need to try.”
Charizard ex special illustration rare also has proven to have some staying power – it’s seen a minimal decrease in value since Pokemon 151 came out. While it’s likely to continue to drop in value, this card is likely to retain a good level of value, and will be a great addition to any Charizard collection.
