10 Most Valuable Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Cards So Far

The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration expansion has finally arrived, for the first time in the history of the TCG as a global simultaneous release.

To nobody’s surprise, the secondary market is in absolute, unadulterated chaos. Queues have stretched out the IRL doors as long as a Cycling Lane at retailers across the world.

Between Pokémaniacs, collectors scrambling for day-one master sets, resellers looking for a quick buck, and casual fans just trying to snag a piece of history, prices can feel a bit absurd right now.

Our best suggestion is to request an invite from Amazon for the ETB at least, priced much more reasonably compared to other retailers.

Plus, for now, to give you an idea of where the dust is settling, we’ve pulled the median market prices per TCGplayer for the top 10 highest-value cards in the set.

1. Mew R/G/B

Cast your mind back to the infamous Mew behind the truck rumours circulating in the early-2000s. This feels like the physical manifestation of destiny. Originally leaked via shady streamers opening products early without permission and thought to be a hoax, this very real, if very rare, card is selling for an eye-watering £22,086.70 on eBay UK, converted to $29,540.51.

It’s a lovely homage to the original Pokémon Red, Blue and Green (Never released outside of Japan in its original Game Boy form; instead, international players received Pokémon Red and Blue, which were based on the updated Japanese Blue version). We don’t have any pull data, but it’s bound to be one of, if not the, biggest chase cards in the game’s history. Is it worth that though?

2. Lugia (Classic Collection)

This Crystal Lugia card is number 1 on TCGPlayer's valuation charts. If it feels familiar, that’s because it’s the first ever reprint of the iconic Lugia e-Reader card, first seen in Wizards of the Coast's 2002 Aquapolis set. Seeing this majestic Johto Legendary brought back to life after over 20 years, framed by modern foil accents is almost enough to make me pay up. Almost.

Lugia has always held a special place in my heart ever since watching The Power of One on repeat as a kid until my VHS broke, so seeing it sit at $226.48 on TCGPlayer fills me with sadness. It is a great card though.

3. Mew ex (Special Illustration Rare #152/128)

This takes the place as one of my favorite cards in the expansion - so it’s typical that it costs so much! The median market price on TCGPlayer is currently at $212.37, but rising quickly.

This Special Illustration Rare depicts Mew resting in a lush, sun-dappled forest, bathed in soft light and surrounded by honeysuckle. Considering Mew holds such a place in the series history as the first ever Mythical, and some may say first ever Pokémon, it’s no wonder collectors are happily dropping over $200 for this card. It’s not the first, nor the last, time we’ll see this Pokémon on this list either.

4. Charizard (Classic Collection #4/102)

Would you be shocked if I told you the reprint of the card that has defined the TCG for so long is one of the most expensive cards in the 30th Celebration set? A pristine, verified PSA 10 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard famously crossed the seven-figure threshold, selling on eBay for $1,000,952.84. So this is a much cheaper option, going for around $175.45 on TCGPlayer.

I never owned a Base Set Charizard on the school playground, but I remember clearly someone showing theirs off. I should have taken it.

5. Gengar ex (Special Illustration Rare #154/128)

Another unsurprising entry - Gengar cards always sell over market average, and this cheeky, colorful Special Illustration Rare by CHORISO absolutely hits the mark.

Capturing Kanto’s favorite Ghost-type giggling mischievously while sneaking through a twilight village filled with eerie, haunted architecture, this card is going for a market average of $168.54, though shifting quickly.

6. Mew ex (Futuristic Rare #158/128)

This card by YOSHIROTTEN had an unreal level of hype when it was revealed before launch, and it hasn’t disappointed. As one of the flagship debuts of the brand-new "Futuristic Rare" rarity tier, this sleek, opalescent holofoil background is something really special.

The $142.33 median market price is skewed by a high sale price of a massive $3,166.50 at launch. The most recent sale is at $142.97. Bad day for whoever paid that much at launch.

7. Mewtwo ex (Special Illustration Rare #151/128)

Working as the foil, if you’ll excuse the pun, to Mew, who we’ve seen so much of in this list, this awesome Special Illustration Rare by aky CG Works / Yano Keiji exudes a pure intimidating aura, for a similarly intimidating $127.02.

I love the way it almost looks like a stained glass window, Mewtwo looking like a powerful monarch atop a dark, violet-soaked throne. It’s, in my opinion, one of the coldest Mewtwo illustrations printed in the modern era.

8. Magikarp (Classic Collection)

This is a reprint of the beloved Magikarp Illustration Rare (203/193) from the Scarlet & Violet: Paldea Evolved set, created by Shinji Kanda. This Classic Collection reprint has a gleaming, textured golden Magikarp leaping out of crashing waves.

It’s a hilarious, beloved throwback that remains an absolute fan favorite across all generations of TCG players. While the original Paldea Evolved copy can command upwards of $200–$400, this $123.30 reprint offers a sparkling gold-bordered alternative for fans wanting the ultimate flopping fish.

9. Pikachu ex (Special Illustration Rare #150/128)

The Pikachu Night Variant Special Illustration Rare slightly edges out its Day equivalent, going for $116.07 over $85.42. Illustrated by kantaro, this "Night Variant" features Pikachu leading a joyful parade of Pokémon under a fireworks-lit night sky.

If you look closely at the crowded background, you can spot Eevee, Umbreon, and Gengar joining in on the festivities. Someone should’ve invited DJ Pikachu to the festivities - that fella knows how to throw a rager.

10. Mewtwo ex (Futuristic Rare #157/128)

Rounding out the top 10 list is the counterpart to the Mew Futuristic Rare - Mewtwo ex, illustrated by YOSHIROTTEN. Much like its Mew counterpart, this is a new Futuristic Rare, which is certainly adding to its price at $103.03. It has the same pearlescent design as Mew, with a darker, deep indigo color scheme.

Holding comfortably above $100, this card is an absolute must-have if you’re attempting to display both debut Futuristic Rares side-by-side in a binder.

These are the top 10 most expensive cards in the 30th Celebration expansion at time of writing, but this new set is one of the most artistically diverse and nostalgic checklists in Pokémon TCG history. One thing is for sure - there’ll be a card of your favorite Pokémon out there for you! Prices will keep shifting as more packs get pulled over the coming weeks, so keep an eye on TCGPlayer market trends and happy hunting!