Summary
Whilethe surge of modern booster boxeshas been a recent theme in thePokemon TCG, some of the best cards to collect have been around for a while. Whether you just hopped into Pokemon collecting or have been at it for years, the most valuable Gym Heroes cards boast beautiful artwork for all to enjoy.
The first two generations feature heavily in this iconic vintage Pokemon TCG set, with Gym Heroes' most valuable cards reaching triple-digit prices. While the price differences between unlimited and first edition copies are stark, the most expensive Gym Heroes cards shine as bright parts of Pokemon history.
All cardslisted feature theirfirst editionartwork and market prices according toTCGPlayer.
10Lt. Surge’s Electabuzz (Holofoil) – $57.10
An Electrifying Art
Lt. Surge plays a prominent role in the Pokemon Anime, but rarely finds opportunities to stand in the limelight of the Pokemon TCG. Whilehe may be better known for his Raichu,Surge’s Electabuzz kicks off the most valuable Gym Heroes cards with a shockingly high standard.
This card paves the road for exactly what to expect in Gym Heroes: Trainer cards and Pokemon with their designated gym leader. If you’re familiar with theTrainer Galleryfrom recent Sword and Shield sets, think ofGym Heroes as the inspirationfor that concept.
9Erika (Holofoil) – $64.98
Growing In Value
Erika is one of the most popular gym leaders from Generation One, andher popularity is reflected in her price,as this won’t be her only appearance among the best Gym Heroes cards. However, this is her only solo entry, as she boasts a climbing value close to some iconic gym leader peers.
While she can’t compete with the most iconic characters from the anime, Erika’s position is impressive, especially as her value continues to climb.
8Brock (Holofoil) – $69.75
Joining A Trio Of Trainers
Brock is one of the most beloved Pokemon characters of all time and he joins as the second of three Trainer-only cards to appear among the most expensive in Gym Heroes. At just shy of the $70 mark, Brock’sfirst edition has steadily grown,while theunlimitedversiondeclined.
This card once hovered around the $40 price point but is closer to doubling that total than ever. While there’s no telling if the price will continue toward $80, there’s no doubt this card has already seen a stunning value spike.
7Misty (Holofoil) – $77.09
The Original Water Gym Leader
Trainer cards are fun inclusions to shake up sets with a look at some of our favorite characters in the Pokemon series. The trio of solo Trainer cards on this list indicates the demand for these characters is almost as high as their Pokemon counterparts.
Some modern sets, likeRebel Clash, feature Trainers as some of the most valuable cardsin the entire print.
Misty remains a staple in the collector’s market, as her popularity and collection of great artworks continue to this day. Given her popularityamong Astral Radiance’s most expensive cards, it should come as no surprise that some of the oldest Misty cards are equally desirable.
6Rocket’s Hitmonchan (Holofoil) – $82.33
Team Rocket Ready To Fight
Rocket’s Hitmonchan has benefited from steady growth, climbing from about $60 to its current point. A few Rocket cards make the list, even thoughthe Rocket Grunts are minor, unnamed characters. The Hitmonchan card art does most of the heavy lifting here.
Despite belonging to a Rocket, it’s impressive to see this card eclipsing popular trainers like Brock and Misty, indicating that the Pokemon in this set command most of the value.
5Rocket’s Moltres (Holofoil) – $115
The First Moltres Appearance
A good example of what a popular Pokemon means to a Gym Heroes card is the Rocket’s Moltres, asthis legendary bird commands significantly more valuethan the Rocket’s Hitmonchan. Moltres is also a mainstay in this set, as this is only its first appearance.
However, even a legendary bird is no match for the most expensive Rocket card in Gym Heroes.
4Rocket’s Scyther (Holofoil) – $137.75
The Rocket Revolutions Rages On
Rocket’s Scyther boasts a fierce pose with vibrant colors swirling around Scyther’s primarily green palette. The addition of red gives Scyther a dangerous appearance, adding to the stunning qualities of this Rocket-themed version.
While itonce barely eclipsed the $100 mark, this Scyther continues to soarup the Gym Heroes charts, approaching the top three with only a small gap left to close.
3Erika’s Dragonair (Holofoil) – $148.34
A Beloved Middle Evolution
Erika’s second appearance on this list is a surprise, as she teams up with her Dragonair to formone of the most expensive duos in the set.
WhileErika isn’t usually associated with Dragon-type Pokemon,this combination of a cute Dragonair design alongside a popular Trainer like Erika gives this card plenty to like.
While it takes up most of the card’s background itself, Dragonair’s coiling pattern leaves some room for swirls on the holo pattern, if you’re interested in collecting those.
2Blaine’s Moltres (Holofoil) – $185.50
Moltres' Crowning Moment
Blaine’s Moltres soars high above its Rocket counterpart, as this card features a gorgeous Moltres art that captures its entire body from a distance. Thecosmo holo pattern is a signature of the era,and there’s plenty to see on this card.
Moltres' value remains rock steady,so it’s likely that this Pokemon remains firmly in second position unless Erika’s Dragonair sees an incredible surge in price. While it’s possible, Blaine’s Moltres remains one of the best cards in Gym Heroes.
1Sabrina’s Gengar (Holofoil) – $444.99
A Psychic Icon And Her Ghost
Sabrina’s Gengar takes the crown for the most valuable card in Gym Heroes, flying far above its competition at overdouble the price of its nearest competition.Whilethe Pokemon card market can yield unexpected shifts in demand, this Gengar is among the most sought-after versions of this popular Pokemon.
With Gengar’s art pushed to the right side, there is plenty of space on the left side for beautiful holo circles and swirls to appear on the card, leaving room for unique copies. Whether you’re a fan of Gengar or not, there’s no denying this card featuresone of the most incredible depictions of Gengar in the Pokemon TCG.
