This blog explores underrated Pokémon cards that have yet to gain significant recognition in the Pokémon PSA community. These hidden gems are definite long-term investment potential due to their rarity and origins in lesser-known series. PSA offers these cards for sale on their website.
However, here is an overview of each card's market price along with a brief synopsis.
3. 2003 Skyridge Holo Gengar – H9/H32
Market price: $450.00 *UNGRADED* (March 2025)
Ranking third—but certainly not least—on our list is the iconic Holographic Gengar from the Skyridge set (2003). Upon close inspection, the sparkle and eerie backdrop perfectly capture Gengar’s lurking presence, though it appears more subdued compared to some of its flashier counterparts. The card’s illustrator, Kyoko Umemoto, also designed the Arbok from this set, which shares a similarly flat, 2D aesthetic.
This card, like many from the Pokémon Skyridge series, features an ‘e-reader’ short code. These were designed to be scanned using the Nintendo e-Reader, a separate card-reading device traditionally connected to the Game Boy Advance. You can identify this feature by the distinctive array of stripes running along the card’s borders from top to bottom.
Now totally out of circulation, this Gengar card has solidified its legacy in the market, soaring for as high as $10,000.00 in PSA 10 condition, while even a PSA 7 copy has fetched $971.00, according to recent data from this year.
Overall, this card is very expensive for a majorty of Pokémon fans and it's not blamed for. If you attempt to buy this, try to negotitate for a lower PSA if you really are desperate for a card like this; after all, some duplicates look identical on the re-selling market.
2. 2010 Pokémon HGSS Undaunted Espeon Prime – 81/90
Market price: $38.00 *UNGRADED* (March 2025)
Despite having a design that could easily qualify as an EX-card, Espeon Prime—much like its Eevee counterpart Umbreon—is a not classified as one. As part of the Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver series from 2010, this card reflects the era’s gradual shift to more refined, stylized 3D renders. During this time, heavy dropshadowing and metallic textures became more prominent design choices going forward.
Here, Espeon’s slender form is accentuated by artistic shading for added realism, allowing its psychic nature to truly flourish. And the premium metallic border lining adds that elegant touch, while the holographic effect around the cards creates a mesmerizing shimmer when held.Talented illustrator Hideaki Hakozaki flaunts his signature stoic looks in his Pokémon art portfolio, where nearly all his designs focus on expertly drawn close-up shots.
From an investment standpoint, market data for PSA 10 graded copies shows a high price of $1,548.30. However, with only two sales per year, this card remains noticeably overvalued.
In conclusion, this is considered not an approachable investment for the long-term.
1. 2005 EX Delta Species Metagross Gold Star – 113/113
Market price: $636.55 *UNGRADED* (March 2025)
The 2005 EX Delta Species Metagross Gold Star is one of the most sought-after Pokémon cards from the mid-2000s. As part of the revered Gold Star series, it features Metagross in its rare shiny form, making it highly valuable among collectors. A PSA 10-graded Metagross Gold Star regularly sells for over $8,249.50, with recent auctions showing a hiked fluctuation around the $8,000 mark since December 2024.
Positioned suitably airborne like an iron man, Metagross appears to blend seamlessly with the cosmic backdrop. The holographic foil raises this effect, making its metallic body shimmer as if materialising through a rift in space. Even at PSA 7 ($599.99), this card remains a worthy investment, offering the strong visual appeal and collectability. Encased in a PSA slab, it makes for an impressive display piece in any collection.
After consideration, this could be a good investment nor a wise one. However, do be careful with price surges like this with mint conditions.
Author: Gabriel Simamora
