On this blog we will talk about which 5 best Pokémon cards you should add to your collection as long-term investments. Scarlett & Violet 151 refers to the original 151 Pokémon species introduced in the first generation. The 151 set was released in September 2023 and contains 210 cards. We will offer you data and our insight so you can do the right informed decision.
5 Squirtle - 170/165
Market price: $51.76 (TCG Player; March 2025)
Like many fans, we adore any Squirtle card. It is important to take a Pokémon's popularity into consideration as this will affect the desirability of the card in question. This particular card is uniquely beautiful and there is something special about the combination of the gorgeous realistic beach background and the cartoonish Squirtle. This card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, who has illustrated over 600 cards including some of the most expensive cards such as the Charizard base set from 1999. His illustrations are famous for combining realistic drawing with fantastical elements.
Now, let's take a look at the value of Squirtle 170/165: it has increased in price nonstop over the last 6 months from $28 to $51.76 at the time of writing. We expect it to continue on this trend as it is a very unique and beautiful card.
4 Alakazam ex 201/165
Market price: $57.54 (TCG Player; March 2025)
This illustration rare showcases Alakazam from Generation 1 using its psychic powers in an untidy room, presenting the Pokémon in a different light compared to battle-focused illustrations. Alakazam is known for its high intelligence, and some believe it can remember every detail of its life from birth until the end. It has a red organ on its forehead that helps it foresee its opponent's every move.
This illustration was created by Shinya Komatsu, who has been working as an illustrator for the Pokémon Trading Card Game since the Brilliant Stars set and has illustrated 16 cards at the time of writing.
One of the most recognizable cards is Machamp V, an Alternate Full Art from Astral Radiance, which has a market price of $157. If you have the means, purchasing this card could be a great option, as it features similar artwork and is incredibly beautiful
Market price: $157 (TCG Player; March 2025)
Looking at the graphic, we can see an increase from $32 to $52 over the past six months. This trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future due to the high demand and desirability of this set.
The card's strong daily sales performance reflects its high demand, improving the chances of a profitable return in the future.
3 Charmander 168/165
Market price: $62.11 (TCG Player; March 2025)
Charmander is another of the original Pokémon from Generation I. This little reptilian-like Pokémon has a tail flame that reflects its health and emotions. Charmander is one of the most beloved Pokémon due to its loyalty and temperament.
In this illustration, we can see Charmander at the top of a rock, looking up. The beauty of this illustration is unparalleled, with light filtering between the rocks to create a wonderful atmosphere. The colour of its tail indicates that this Charmander is happy, strong, and healthy, and we love to see it.
Due to the large fan base and the beauty of this illustration, we expect this card to reach high numbers both now and in the future. The illustration was done by Miki Kudo, who has been illustrating for the Pokémon Trading Card Game since 2006 and has illustrated a whopping 56 cards.
Some of the most recognizable cards are Chameleon 169/165, with a market price of $48.84 (see image below), and our number one card. Keep reading to discover which one it is.
Market price: $48.84 (TCG Player; March 2025)
As we can see in the graphic, the demand for this card has been quite steady, but the price has been surging recently, rising from $34 in September 2024 to $62.11 at the time of writing.
We will add this card to our collection for the long term. As always, remember that the keys to investing in Pokémon cards are desirability, rarity, and time.
2 Blastoise ex 200/165
Market Price: $89.62 (TCG Player; March 2025)
This illustration rare features Blastoise, a bipedal turtle Pokémon from Generation I. On this card, we can see Blastoise in its natural environment. Due to its beauty, this card is highly desirable among collectors, making it a great addition to your collection for long-term investment.
This card was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, further enhancing its appeal. This illustrator also created Squirtle 170/165, our number 5 card.
As we mentioned before, this artist is highly skilled and beloved in the Pokémon community, known for illustrating valuable cards.
Looking at our graphic, we can see that the price has risen from $50 to $89.62 at the time of writing. We purchased this card a few months ago for about $60, and we expect it to continue rising in the long term due to the illustrator's fame and the card's desirability.
1 Charizard ex 199/165
Market price: $291.01 (TCG Player; March 2025)
This beautiful illustration rare card is currently outside of our budget, but it would be one of our top picks for several reasons. First, it's Charizard, and second, its desirability is very high. We do have a PSA 10 Japanese version, which is more affordable.
At the time of writing, the market price of this card is $291.01, and we expect it to continue rising over the next few years. How much more, time will tell.
The illustrator of this card is Miki Kudo, who also worked on our number 3 card, and we can see the similarities in its design, with similar colours and style. Its simplicity and the chosen colours make this illustration stand out. Charizard has an enormous fan base, being a Gen 1 Pokémon and one of the original 151. Combined with the talent of Miki Kudo, it’s the perfect mix.
As we can see on the graphic, this card has been on the rise for the last 6 months, increasing from $122 to $291.82 at the time of writing. We expect this card to continue gaining value over the next few years. However, be aware that cards tend to fluctuate, so prices could drop before rising again. Prices vary depending on demand and availability of the product.
In conclusion, any of these 5 cards would be a good long-term investment to add to your collection, especially Charizard if your budget allows. As always, remember that desirability, rarity, and time are the keys to success when investing in Pokémon cards.
Sources: TCG Player (https://www.tcgplayer.com/)
