20 Most Expensive Pokémon 151 Cards (& How Much They’re Worth)

The Pokémon Trading Card Game offers a bit of nostalgia with its Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet –151 set, which features all 151 of the beloved Pokémon that started it all. These classic Generation 1 pocket monsters from the Kanto region were the originals, and remain some of the most familiar and beloved characters in the franchise today. Pokémon 151‘s charm makes it a popular set, mostly due to the love that many fans of the series have for these original 151 characters and the memories that accompany them.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet 151 launched on September 22, 2023, for the English version of the game. Designed for use with the gameplay mechanics in the Scarlet & Violet set, many of the Secret Rare full-art cards include illustrations that connect evolution lines for many of the Pokémon. For the values in this list, market values have been obtained by TCGPlayer, which can offer a good overall baseline across various online markets. Of course, with Pokémon‘s original 151 characters being so beloved, personal feelings may always be greater than market value.

20 Alakazam ex 188/165

Ultra Rare Holofoil

The Ultra Rare Alazakam ex 188/165 card is strikingly stylized. Like a few other cards in the set, this Pokémon TCG: 151 card has a very distinct style. The card is almost entirely covered by the Pokémon levitating its iconic spoons. The background features a pastel pink and purple swirl that’s very eye-catching.

The Alakazam ex isn’t worth as much as the other card that the Psychic-type shows up on in this set. Still, it draws a respectable $12.32 price tag on TCGPlayer.

19 Ninetales ex 186/165

Ultra Rare Holofoil

Shown in the same style as the Alakazam ex, Nintetales ex is featured here as card 186/165 from the set. The full-card artwork is a creamy yellow color that makes the Pokémon’s tails look almost like giant bananas.

The ocean of yellow is broken up by a thick, bright-green outline all around the Pokémon. It’s a very different look for the usually soft-looking Pokémon, but it looks just as regal in this style thanks to its serious expression. Ninetales ex is valued at $12.57 USD on TCGPlayer.

18 Venusaur ex 182/165

Ultra Rare Holofoil

The Venusaur on this card, number 182/165 from the set, is looking very seriously off into the distance. The artwork shows the Pokémon from slightly below, so its chin and face appear very large and prominent.

Collectors may find this endearing, or they may enjoy the style of the card, which, like the other ex cards, uses a simple colorful illustration outlined in thick green. All the previous ex cards in this set, including this one, were drawn by the prolific Pokémon TCG artist, PLANETA Yamashita. TCGPlayer estimates the market value of this Venusaur to be $14.75 USD.

17 Blastoise ex 166/162

Ultra Rare Holofoil

Not only is the entire Secret Rare evolution line of Squirtle from the Pokémon TCG: 151 set worth quite a bit, but Blastoise ex is represented twice among the most valuable of cards. It appears once as the Special Illustration Rare and then again as this full-art Ultra Rare card number 184/165.

The other form of Blastoise in this set is one of the most expensive cards in the whole collection. The Blastoise ex here is shown in a vividly colorful full-art stance and is valued on TCGPlayer currently at a market price of $14.87 USD.

16 Mew ex 193/162

Ultra Rare Holofoil

Card 193/165 features a bubblegum pink background that could work to camouflage the Psychic-type Mew ex, if not for the brilliant use of etching artwork surrounding it. The combination of pink and teal makes the card truly pop and stand out from others in this set.

This Ultra Rare, full-art card of Mew ex is more valuable than its golden-styled Hyper Rare counterpart. Card 193/165 currently has a market price on TCGPlayer of $15.68 USD, and is a cheerful take on the Mythical Mew.

15 Erika’s Invitation 203/165

Special Illustration Rare Holofoil

The only Support card to be included in this list, Erika’s Invitation, is a Special Illustration Rare full art card in the Pokémon 151 set. Card number 203/165 is a support card with artwork by Cona Nitando, and it’s one of the most beautiful cards in the entire collection.

The card shows off the pretty trainer, Erika, among flowers and perfumes in a perfectly cottagecore, sunny room. On TCGPlayer, this card is currently listed with a market value of $15.80 USD.

14 Wartortle 171/162

Illustration Rare Holofoil

Often, the middle evolution of even the most beloved Pokémon does not seem to be valued as highly as the first and third versions. In this case, however, Squirtle’s second evolution, Wartortle, is a breathtaking ocean illustration that is quite highly valued with a TCGPlayer market price of $20.51 USD at the time of writing.

In fact, this card is valued higher than the Pokémon’s highest evolution. This may be in part because of the beautiful artwork, which matches the rest of the full-art illustrations in the Squirtle evolution. With each evolution, the Squirtle line is moving deeper into the water, for a symbolic return to its element.

13 Dragonair 181/165

Illustration Rare Holofoil

The illustration for Dragonair’s Pokémon TCG: 151 card has an almost melancholy air to it. The full-card image depicts the dragon Pokémon in the waters of what looks like an abandoned old castle ruin. Dragonair is mostly submerged in the water with only its head poking out, and the organic form of its body nearly blends in with the water’s gentle ripples.

The image evokes questions about what the Pokémon is doing here, or perhaps what it’s looking for in this old place. It’s a beautiful card that would make a wonderful addition to any collector’s deck. According to TCGPlayer, the market price for the Dragonair illustration rare card is $20.68 USD.

12 Pikachu 173/165

Illustration Rare Holofoil

Pokémon‘s beloved mascot, Pikachu, is a fitting addition to any list with the original 151 characters. In this Illustration Rare full-art card, Pikachu’s playful and cheerful nature is shown in a way that is sure to make anyone smile.

Bounding through the busy street with a smile on its face, Pikachu exudes energy beyond the electricity it holds within. As of the time of writing, on TCGPlayer, Pikachu card 173/165 has a market price of $21.37 USD.

11 Ivysaur 167/165

Illustration Rare Holofoil

This gorgeous special illustration card depicts Ivysaur card 167/165. Created by Yoriyuki Ikegami, the illustration shows Ivysaur amid lush and vibrant foliage. The Pokémon is seen looking at its own reflection in a pond, tentatively touching the water with one of its vines and causing ripples.

Ivysaur’s Pokémon TCG: 151 card is currently priced at $22.16 USD on TCGPlayer. Collectors may want to consider pairing this card with the Bulbasaur from the same set, which has matching artwork of the earlier evolution in a similar forest environment.

10 Charmeleon 169/162

Illustration Rare Holofoil

With artwork that perfectly matches the rest of its evolution line of Charmander and Charizard, Charmeleon’s full-art Illustration Rare card helps to paint a picture of the little Fire-type. Here, Charmeleon has begun to rise higher, depicting a beautiful double-meaning of its growth with evolution.

Here, Charmeleon has begun to rise higher, depicting a beautiful double-meaning of its growth with evolution.

The image is quite striking, showing Charmeleon sitting on an outcropping of a black cliffside, surrounded by flowing rivers of molten lava. On TCGPlayer, Charmeleon’s card 169/165 for the Pokémon TCG: 151 set is listed with a market price of $24.84 USD at the time of writing.

9 Bulbasaur 166/165

Illustration Rare Holofoil

Bulbasaur is one of the beloved starter Pokémon from the 151 era, as the original Grass-type starter. The full card artwork was created by Yuu Nishida and features lush greenery surrounding the Pokémon. It’s a beautiful illustration that has a peaceful atmosphere.

This Illustration Rare card shows Bulbasaur appearing to nap while tucked away in a lush grassy environment beneath the shadows of another plant. Bulbasaur’s 166/165 card is currently valued on TCGPlayer with a market price of $28.41 USD.

8 Alakazam ex 201/165

Special Illustration Rare Holofoil

Special Illustration Rare Alakazam ex is designated as card number 201/165 and shows one of the most playful and adorable illustrations of any in this Pokémon TCG set. Artist Mitsuhiro Arita portrays Alakazam ex in a disastrously messy kitchen while he is levitating spoons in front of him in a beautiful full-card illustration that feels as though it is a page from a storybook.

In addition to being part of the 151 collection, Alakazam was also bundled into a promo set along with Abra and Kadabra (though, unfortunately, this is no longer available for purchase). Alakazam ex 201/165 has a market value of $31.45 USD on TCGPlayer.

7 Squirtle 170/165

Illustration Rare Holofoil

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet 151‘s secret card number 170 is a charming beach scene of the adorable Water-type starter, Squirtle. Often, first evolution Pokémon are depicted with a more happy feeling than their later versions, and this follows the same theme.

The full-art card shows off Squirtle’s playful side as it joyfully sits in the shallow part of the incoming tide and plays with the waves coming in. Even besides looking cute, this card 170/165 is currently listed on TCGPlayer with a market price of $33.05 USD. However, as the time of this writing, the card is actually selling for prices in the single digits.

6 Charizard ex 183/165

Ultra Rare Holofoil

This Charizard ex, card number 183/165, could be one of the most powerful cards in the Pokémon 151 set. Its rarity and beauty may give players pause before bringing it to the table, making it a highly collectible item.

The unique and colorful artwork style by PLANETA Mochizuki for this Ultra Rare card is soft and appears as though it is rising off of the card. On TCGPlayer, Charizard ex is currently listed with a market price of $35.88 USD.

5 Charmander 168/165

Illustration Rare Holofoil

One of the most recognizable and traditional of the original 151 Pokémon, Charmander is given a special full card art Illustration Rare for number 168/165. Though its gameplay mechanics are nothing groundbreaking, and it only has 70 HP, Charmander is beautifully illustrated for this card.

Though its gameplay mechanics are nothing groundbreaking, and it only has 70 HP, Charmander is beautifully illustrated for this card.

Along with its Charmeleon and Charizard secret full-art cards, Charmander’s story is just beginning with this illustration as it gazes up to the skies. On TCGPlayer, Charmander 168/165 currently holds a market price of $37.79 USD. However, it’s worth noting that the card often sells for much lower than its market value indicates, so collectors should be on the lookout for a lower price.

4 Zapdos ex 202/165

Special Illustration Rare Holofoil

Zapdos ex’s Special Illustration Rare card shows subtle glimpses of Articuno and Moltres flying with it in the background as it charges forward. This powerful card is useful in-game with its Multishot Lightning, which does 120 damage to an opponent as well as an additional 90 damage to a benched Pokémon that has damage counters on it.

The card is also highly collectible thanks to it’s vibrant full-card illustration by Shiburingaru. At the time of writing, this card is listed on TCGPlayer with a market price of $40.27 USD.

3 Venusaur ex 198/165

Special Illustration Rare Holofoil

A Special Illustration Rare version of Venusaur ex is given a beautiful floral backdrop to highlight its Tranquil Flower ability in card number 198/165. This Venusaur ex card features full card art that is pretty enough to be framed while also giving beneficial healing or poisoning effects when played.

As part of the evolution line of the above-listed Bulbasaur, it is shown in a similar setting but with more vibrant and colorful flowers surrounding it. Currently, on TCGPlayer, Pokémon 151‘s Venusaur ex is valued at a market price of $49.15 USD.

2 Blastoise ex 200/165

Special Illustration Rare Holofoil

Blastoise ex is a Special Illustration Rare card from Pokémon 151. The Pokémon is the final evolution of one of the original Gen 1 starter Pokémon, and a beloved character from the franchise.

Continuing the story told across its secret art evolution cards, the Water-type character has gone deep into the depths of the dark ocean here, with illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita perfectly capturing the strength and serious nature of Blastoise. Currently, on TCGPlayer this Blastoise ex card has a listed market price of $56.50 USD.

1 Charizard ex 199/165

Special Illustration Rare Holofoil

Charizard ex has a Special Illustration Rare at card number 199/165 that beautifully matches the above-shown Charmander 168/165 artwork in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Where the Charmander was shown sitting and looking up into the sky, and Charmeleon had begun his ascent, this final evolution shows Charizard taking flight high above the rocky expanse where it once sat.

TCGPlayer currently lists this card for
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151
at a staggering market value of $128.80 USD.

This card is as powerful as it is beautiful if it were ever risked in a game. TCGPlayer currently lists this card for Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151 at a staggering market value of $128.80 USD.

Sources: TCGPlayer (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)