With demand still red-hot and nostalgia-driven fans hunting down the iconic Scarlet & Violet: 151 cards, it’s no wonder collectors are scouring marketplaces like TCG Player for those elusive, high-value hits. Even sealed booster packs—if you’re lucky enough to find one untouched—can yield some of the most prized illustration rares the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has released to date.
We’re flipping the script—literally. Instead of counting up, we’re counting down the Top 10 Most Expensive Pokémon 151 Cards. Whether you’re ripping packs or eyeing graded singles, these cards are the crown jewels of the 151 set.
The 10 Most Expensive Pokémon 151 Cards in Sealed Boosters
1. Charizard ex – 199/165 – Scarlet & Violet 151
Market Price: $183.72 on TCG Player
It’s always Charizard, isn’t it?
Leading the charge—and breaking wallets—is none other than Charizard ex, the most expensive card in the entire Scarlet & Violet: 151 set. Designed by Miki Kudo, this full-art masterpiece soars above the canyon backdrop, concluding the epic illustration arc that began with Charmander and continued through Charmeleon.
Beyond its visual legacy, this card is no slouch in battle. With Brave Wing and Explosive Vortex, Charizard ex dishes out serious damage—but good luck putting this beauty in your battle deck. At nearly $185, most collectors are tucking this one safely away in slabs or top-loaders.
2. Blastoise ex – 200/165
Market Price: $60.15 on TCG Player
Next in value is the deep-diving Blastoise ex, another legendary evolution card that’s drawn collectors’ admiration and demand. Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita—yes, the same artist behind the Base Set Charizard—this aquatic-themed design captures Blastoise gracefully maneuvering through crystal-clear water.
In gameplay, Solid Shell helps reduce incoming damage, while Twin Cannon is a high-risk, high-reward attack dishing out up to 280 damage. While its HP doesn’t match Venusaur’s, it makes up for it in style and versatility. A true gem for fans of Kanto’s original trio.
3. Venusaur ex – 198/165
Market Price: $54.19 on TCG Player
Ikegami’s third evolution artwork brings us Venusaur ex, both serene and commanding in design. Following the narrative from Bulbasaur and Ivysaur, this card shows Venusaur rooted in nature’s tranquility, but its in-game abilities are anything but gentle.
With a beastly 340 HP, Venusaur ex is among the tankiest cards in the Scarlet & Violet: 151 set. It also inflicts Poison and Confusion, and has the potential to heal your own team, making it both a gameplay and collector’s prize.
4. Zapdos ex – 202/165
Market Price: $47.21 on TCG Player
Illustrated by Shiburingaru, Zapdos ex takes to the skies with a jaw-dropping visual of the Legendary Bird soaring with Moltres and Articuno. The full-art card is as dynamic as its abilities.
With Voltaic Float allowing for an easy retreat and Multishot Lightning punishing benched opponents, Zapdos ex is deadly both on paper and in play. Its electricity-charged allure continues to elevate its value, and rightfully so.
5. Charmander – 168/165
Market Price: $40.83 on TCG Player
The beloved Kanto Fire starter comes to life in this stunning illustration rare Charmander, once again brought to life by Miki Kudo. With the mountainous terrain tying into its evolution narrative, Charmander appears contemplative yet ready to ignite.
Gameplay-wise, this card isn’t just for looks. One of its fire-type moves clears Stadium cards, while the other deals consistent damage. Whether you’re building a thematic deck or collecting the evolutionary trio, Charmander is a must-own.
6. Squirtle – 170/165
Market Price: $36.79 on TCG Player
Squirtle takes the sixth spot with an oceanic illustration by the iconic Mitsuhiro Arita. The artwork is detailed, serene, and packed with nostalgic flair, portraying the Tiny Turtle Pokémon soaking in the beachside waves.
Although Withdraw and Skullbash don’t dominate in-game, the art alone makes this card a masterpiece. It’s more than a card—it’s a tribute to Squirtle’s aquatic charm and TCG history.
7. Alakazam ex – 201/165
Market Price: $36.72 on TCG Player
With its potion bottles and telekinetic flair, Alakazam ex combines function and aesthetics like no other. Illustrated by Shinya Komatsu, this card is an intimate look at Alakazam in its psychic lair.
Mind Jack deals increased damage depending on the opponent’s benched Pokémon, while Dimensional Hand attacks from Alakazam’s own bench—adding serious strategic flexibility. For gameplay, collectors, and fans of the psychic type, this card is an intellectual powerhouse.
8. Bulbasaur – 166/165
Market Price: $30.31 on TCG Player
Cute? Check. Functional? Double check.
Bulbasaur opens the door to the full evolution journey in 151. Another piece of artwork by Yoriyuki Ikegami, this card shows the original Grass-type starter relaxing under a tree with a calm, endearing smile.
Despite being a basic Pokémon, its Leech Seed and 70HP make it decently durable for early play. However, most buyers are after it for its charm and to complete the evolution set alongside Ivysaur and Venusaur.
9. Charmeleon – 169/165
Market Price: $31.07 on TCG Player
Miki Kudo continues her fiery vision with Charmeleon, featured midway up a mountain to symbolize its evolution toward Charizard. The scenery, the mood, and the fire-type essence are all flawlessly portrayed.
In battle, Fire Blast can be costly due to Energy discards, but the 90 damage it deals makes it worth the investment. Not to mention, this card is a beautiful transitional piece in the illustration triptych with Charmander and Charizard.
10. Ivysaur – 167/165
Market Price: $24.32 on TCG Player
Rounding out the list is Ivysaur, but don’t let its tenth-place ranking fool you—this is still a premium card. Another stunning artwork by Ikegami, it captures Ivysaur staring into a reflective pond, reminiscing about its days as a Bulbasaur.
A Stage 1 Pokémon with 100HP, its Leech Seed and Vine Whip attacks add both utility and sentimentality. This card is a collector’s favorite for its emotional depth and gameplay value.
Sealed Boosters: Why the Hype?
Even over a year after the Scarlet & Violet: 151 set launched, sealed boosters are still in massive demand. Why? Because each booster holds a chance at pulling one of these rare and valuable illustration rares.
From nostalgic fanatics to competitive players and long-term investors, sealed 151 products are a goldmine of potential—and with prices rising consistently on sites like TCG Player, holding onto sealed packs might just be a better bet than stocks (kidding… kind of).
Illustration Rares: The Driving Force Behind 151’s Popularity
A recurring theme in this list is the “illustration rare” designation—cards that go beyond the standard art, boasting full-bleed designs and unique scenery. These are not just playable cards; they’re mini works of art.
From Miki Kudo’s fiery Charizard trilogy to Ikegami’s forested Grass starters and Arita’s beachside Squirtle, these artists have made 151 one of the most visually immersive sets in Pokémon TCG history. And that has serious implications for collector value.
How 151 Compares to Other Sets
While some newer expansions like Destined Rivals or Prismatic Evolutions have cards crossing the $500 mark, Scarlet & Violet: 151 remains relatively reasonable for high-value collectors. That said, the Charizard ex still competes at a price point just shy of $200—a testament to its desirability.
The 151 set isn’t just about power—it’s about sentiment, history, and storytelling through art. That’s what separates this set from other recent expansions.
List of the 10 Most Valuable Pokémon 151 Cards
| Rank | Card | Number | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Ivysaur | 167/165 | $24.32 |
| 9 | Charmeleon | 169/165 | $31.07 |
| 8 | Bulbasaur | 166/165 | $30.31 |
| 7 | Alakazam ex | 201/165 | $36.72 |
| 6 | Squirtle | 170/165 | $36.79 |
| 5 | Charmander | 168/165 | $40.83 |
| 4 | Zapdos ex | 202/165 | $47.21 |
| 3 | Venusaur ex | 198/165 | $54.19 |
| 2 | Blastoise ex | 200/165 | $60.15 |
| 1 | Charizard ex | 199/165 | $183.72 |
Final Thoughts: Should You Still Chase These Cards?
If you’re lucky enough to crack open a Scarlet & Violet: 151 booster and pull one of these top 10 cards—congratulations, you’ve just hit the jackpot. Whether you’re collecting, flipping, or playing, this set has long-lasting appeal.
And if you’re like many of us still chasing that elusive Charizard ex? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Just remember: every sealed booster is a lottery ticket. Will yours be the one?
Read Also: