The 10 Most Expensive Pokemon TCG Booster Boxes

Highlights

• Vintage Pokemon TCG booster boxes have become highly sought after and valuable, but be cautious of fakes.
• Sealed booster boxes are more valuable than loose packs, and some specific sets have iconic cards that collectors are willing to pay a premium for.

The Pokemon TCG took the Western world by storm in 1999 and its popularity has only grown over time, leading to an exponential increase in the value of vintage booster boxes. These boxes are highly sought after – and often faked – so be aware that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The rarest booster boxes in Pokemon TCG history will become rarer as time passes and more of them are opened, or stashed away in collections, never to be seen again. The values of these boxes are listed according to PriceCharting’s average sale value, not the last sale.

Some of the most coveted booster boxes have not been sold on the open market in many years, so specified entries are priced according to the average price of a booster pack multiplied by 36.

Since sealed booster boxes are always more valuable than loose packs, these are marked by a “+” symbol to indicate they are likely worth more.

10 Neo Revelation 1st Edition (2001) – $10,600

The Neo Sets Are Still Classics

The third of four “Neo” sets released, Neo Revelation features adorable art of Johto Pokemon like Ampharos and Celebi. While it’s not the most valuable of the “Neo” quartet, it is one of the most iconic sets, with Entei also headlining some of the most memorable cards.

The first edition set is more valuable, as is the case with all earlier sets that feature a first edition and unlimited printing. This era also features the famous Cosmos Holo design, which includes swirls – whirlpool-shaped holographic patterns, like the one featured beside Ampharos.

9 EX Dragon Frontiers (2006) – $14,735.88+

What’s Cooler Than A Dragon? All The Dragons.

EX Dragon Frontiers is the first set listed from 2006, and it won’t be the last as this was a particularly memorable year for Pokemon’s TCG. Dragon Frontiers featured numerous popular Pokemon like Rayquaza, Latios, Latias, and the stunning Shiny Charizard.

There haven’t been many sealed booster boxes recently sold on the public market, so you’ll likely only find booster packs if you’re lucky. A sealed booster box will likely exceed the roughly $15,000 estimate, but it’s impossible to place a definite value on it until the market bears one.

8 Aquapolis (2003) – $17,889.12+

An E-Card Era Gem

Aquapolis boxes are rarely seen on the market, and some estimates place their value in the range of $20,000 – $23,000. However, that value has yet to be confirmed by a sale, so it will have to wait to climb the booster box price charts.

Monetary value aside, this set features some wonderful artwork, particularly Suicune’s, which is arguably one of the most stunning Suicune variations of all time. This Johto–focused set also touts incredible versions of Tyranitar, Umbreon, and Houndoom for collectors to enjoy.

7 EX Holon Phantoms (2006) – $22,000

Ghosts Of The Past Return.

Holon Phantoms may just be the most valuable Pokemon TCG booster box you’ve never heard much about. It tends to fly under the radar, often being overshadowed in popularity by Dragon Frontiers.

The Mewtwo pack art may ring a bell, or perhaps the popular shiny Pikachu art. Releasing in May 2006 might have been its biggest downfall, as it was overshadowed by certain August and November releases – Dragon Frontiers being the latter. However, collectors are still willing to pay a pretty penny for this set.

6 Neo Genesis 1st Edition (2002) – $24,400

Lugia’s Debut Set Still Resonates.

Few words need to be said about Neo Genesis, as this set speaks for itself. The first edition version featured the release of the first-ever Lugia card, which is perhaps the most famous and coveted Lugia to date.

With a PSA 10 Lugia selling for over $100,000, it’s clear how enthusiastically some collectors will open their bank accounts for this gem and other heavy hitters. The elusive T17 Typhlosion also hails from Neo Genesis and remains one of the rarest PSA 10s, with under 15 perfect first-edition copies in existence.

5 EX Crystal Guardians (2006) – $28,087.95

More Charizard, More Money.

Crystal Guardians is the most valuable 2006 EX release, edging out Holon Phantoms and Dragon Frontiers by well over $5,000. This set is packed with legendary Pokemon, like Jirachi, Celebi, Groudon, and Kyogre, making for quite an exciting experience to open.

If you’re looking strictly for monetary value, it may be difficult to pull the legendary you’re searching for, but there’s no denying that there are plenty of arts that jump off the cardboard in this set. The holo patterns feature speckles around the border of the card, offering a fantastic blended style with the more traditional holographic patterns on each Pokemon’s art.

4 EX Deoxys (2005) – $33,100

A Surprise From Space.

Despite EX Crystal Guardian’s dominance in 2006, the EX Deoxys set from the prior year takes the crown for the most valuable EX Pokemon set of all time. The bubbly holographic patterns are unique, and the set is loaded with plenty of Pokemon from the first three generations (Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn).

The highlight of the set is undoubtedly its namesake, Deoxys, as you can find different cards that correspond to three of Deoxys’ formes – Attack, Defense, and Normal. In addition, the chase cards included shiny variations of Rayquaza, Latios, and Latias – gorgeous and highly sought-after collector’s items.

3 Legendary Collection (2002) – $40,043.16+

All The Greats In One Place.

Another set you’ll struggle to find in a sealed booster box is the Legendary Collection – one of the greatest Pokemon sets ever due to the sheer number of top-tier cards. This set notably paid homage to the Team Rocket and base set cards.

“Dark” versions of Pokemon like Dragonite and Blastoise highlight the Team Rocket hits, while Kanto’s starter trio brought back the original TCG’s designs. However, there is a slight twist, as these cards famously boast “firework” reverse holographic patterns that make them easily distinguishable from their original versions.

2 Skyridge (2003) – $55,001.66

Soaring Above Bank Accounts.

Much like Aquapolis and Neo Genesis, Skyridge also features the famous Cosmos Holo pattern, making it extremely desirable for swirl collectors. Popular Pokemon like Genger, Houndoom, Alakazam, Arcanine, and Articuno all boast fantastic art that captures their personalities.

Except for Alakazam and Arcanine, these Pokemon and several others don’t take up too much space, which allows more of the Cosmos pattern to appear on the card – and also gives you a greater chance at having a swirl, if you’re into that. Even if not, there’s no denying the unique style and patterns found in this set.

1 Base Set 1st Edition (1999) – $132,384.02

The Original Still Reigns.

Why is it that whenever there’s a value-based list, it’s always you on top, Charizard? Well, the most iconic Pokemon (along with Pikachu) earns its title – almost everyone knows what a Charizard is, and this set is a large part of the reason.

The 1st edition base set likely won’t ever be eclipsed by any 2024 TCG set – Pokemon or not – as there’s a premium on products this scarce and iconic. As supply continues to drop due to the demand of live streamers who want to open (and sell) this product, you can expect the price to remain firmly in the six figures for the foreseeable future, cementing the 1st edition base set as the most valuable Pokemon set ever.