THE Pokemon TCG's long and storied history began with the original 151 Kanto Pokemon, which include some of the most popular Pokemon ever. These classic Pokemon are the highlights of some of the most expensive Pokemon TCG sets, as Charizard, Gengar, Blastoise, and Venusaur are still four of the most popular Pokemon in modern sets.
In addition to including some of the best Pokemon to ever grace a TCG set, FireRed and LeafGreen also boast an excellent art style that uses holographic cosmo models. These beautiful patterns include circles and swirls that can appear on the backgrounds of the best FireRed and LeafGreen cards, distinguishing each copy as unique.
Cards are sorted by their TCGPlayer
Market price,
that you might pay on average for a copy of the cards below.
Given the age and rarity of these cards, only those with an
market price established on TCGplayer
are included.
However,
sales prices vary depending on the conditions of the card,
so this market price is only a rough idea of the value of the card.
10 Clefable Ex (Ultra Rare) – $44.95
A fascinating metronome
Clefable kicks things off with some Metronome-themed artwork to capture our attention, as the hypnotic pattern behind it seems designed to keep us focused on this Fairy guy's finger.
Most FireRed and LeafGreen (FR and LG) cards boast an equally vibrant 3D style, which characterizes their subjects
Get noticed with stunning action shots.
Damaged copies of Clefable are extremely affordable at under ten dollars, even when played heavily (HP) double the price until it hits the $20 range. Played moderately (MP) cards can reach the mid-20s, even if played lightly (LP) moves the needle even further to $35.
9 Charmander (secret rare) – $52.27
The return of a classic
This Charizard pose may look familiar because it's the same design you may have seen on Charmander from the original core set. However, this version features the beautiful cosmos motifs commonly seen during the Neo era.
The core set version had no Cosmos holograms, but did boast Unlimited, Shadowless, and First Edition versions to collect.
Charmander sells for down to $52.40 in NM condition, while LP copies fall in the $36 to $38 range if you don't need the best version. For an additional discount, MP comes in at around $22.
8 Electrode Ex (Ultra Rare) – $54.82
I'm just happy to be here
Electrode takes an unexpected cue from Charmander, though this former card features a cool depiction of Electrode with electricity crackling around it. Electrode's signature smirk persists as he looks behind the crackling energy, epically portraying this Pokemon.
If you can find one in NM condition, expect to pay around market price, as there are sales up to $56, with LP cards only going down to $50. MP and HP cost closer to $30, though It depends heavily on the condition of the specific paper.
7 Moltres Ex (Secret Rare) – $156.00
Set the heat to fiery red
This sizzling Secret Rare heats things up with a huge price increase, claiming a $100 lead over Electrode in the fight to be the most valuable card in FireRed and LeafGreen.
A single NM sale at $156 sets the market price, but HP cards typically trade in the $40 range if you'd rather own this card cheaply, rather than searching for the perfect copy. However, if you want to find a middle ground, LP copies can be found for a few dollars under the 100 dollar threshold, offering a substantial discount on the market price.
6 Gyarados Ex (Ultra Rare) – $159.99
Climbing waterfalls
Gyarados appears with terrifying artwork to introduce him, offering one of the creepiest Pokemon representations in the entire set. Most other cards in FR and LG offer bright, whimsical scenes, but Gyarados takes the opposite approach with this dark scene.
One NM copy sold for $199 shortly after another NM sold for $150, leaving little range for this card, even at the highest condition level. Fortunately, MP cards offer a great opportunity for a discount, approaching $70, while damaged copies can be picked up for less than $30.
5 Blastoise Ex (Ultra Rare) – $165.75
Falling below its peers
Blastoise beats out its fellow Water-type Gyarados as one of the most valuable FireRed and LeafGreen cards, though it will settle for third place among its fellow starters with sky-high prices on the way.
Blastoise has a respectable value LP and NM condition, with sales ranging from $161 to $210, a NM card that sets the minimum, selling below other LP copies. Timing is important, and if you're careful, this card's range offers ample opportunity to close a deal.
4 Articuno Ex (Secret Rare) – $176.95
The bird above
Articuno soars above its fellow Legendary Pokemon, Moltres, eclipsing its value by around $20, though not enough to close the door on Moltres never seeing a resurgence.
Card values ebb and flow over time,
so Articuno's current lead could grow or evaporate at different points.
The price of NM copies increased, going from $179 to $203 in consecutive sales, followed by the LP at around $95. It is difficult to find this card in good rough condition, as clean copies are often sent out for grading.
3 Venusaur Ex (Ultra Rare) – $296.48
A vibrant and verdant point of view
Venusaur blossoms to a breathtaking level above Articuno, as this brilliant card captures our attention and our wallets with a price tag of nearly $300.
Fortunately, you won't be forced to pay anywhere near the market price unless you're looking for a copy in NM condition.
Venusaur is very affordable LP Conditions, dropping to $109 and offering nearly $200 off the price of a Venusaur ex in NM condition. MP copies drop to around $80, while serious bargain hunters can find HP copies for as little as $64.99.
2 Gengar Ex (Ultra Rare) – $301.25
The Perfect Gengar
Gengar's reign as the most popular Pokemon in North America is unchallenged, as this Kantonian classic stands the test of time with a roster of treasured vintage cards.
There are a few other Gengar with similar value, which will leave you with a tough choice if you can only buy one. Considering the age and rarity of this card, it is easily one of the best Gengar cards to own in NM condition.
A damaged sale set the base at $99 for this card, while a The NM copy commanded over $301, setting the pace for the rest to follow. HP copies sell for around $110, with MP going for up to $200, demonstrating the demand for this card. Finally, a The LP copy came in at just over $260, making the NM market price seem extremely fair.
1 Charizard Ex (Ultra Rare) – $694.99
The GOAT for a reason
Charizard ex takes a huge leap forward over its closest rival, leaving Gengar in the dust despite the high value of the Ghost-type favorite. The fire-breathing artwork captures Charizard during an epic moment, as the flames are perfectly accented with holographic sparkles that make this scene stand out.
One NM sale in September 2024 reached $950, with another sale around $834. MP copies drop to $399.99, which is still significant for this iconic Fire-type Pokemon Charizard is the undisputed best card in FireRed and LeafGreen.
