Not all that glitters is gold, but when it comes to gold Pokémon cards, there’s some very valuable treasure to be found among them! Gold colored cards made their debut in the Legendary Treasures set back in 2013; though just two were included in that set, Reshiram and Zekrom, they proved popular enough that they continued to return in larger numbers, in subsequent sets. So let’s take a look at the most valuable gold Pokémon cards!
10. Solgaleo GX – Ultra Prism, 173/156
A Legendary Pokémon introduced in the seventh generation of Pokémon video games, which began with Pokémon Sun & Moon, Solgaleo has always proven to be a powerful Pokémon in the TCG. This particular gold variant of Solgaleo GX is highly sought after, given that it can fetch pretty high prices; like most cards on this list, you’re unlikely to see them in decks, but collectors are very keen on getting hold of these cards!
9. Fairy Energy – Burning Shadows, 169/147
Having the unfortunate distinction of being the only energy type to be completely rotated out of play, Fairy Energy and Fairy type Pokémon no longer exist in ongoing releases for the Pokémon TCG. It didn’t last long, either, having only been introduced in 2013! So despite this being just a Basic Energy card, not known for holding their value, perhaps the gold variant’s scarcity, along with the fact that it’s now a defunct Energy type, has contributed to it holding a pretty high value.
8. Snorlax – Chilling Reign, 224/198
They say you learn something new every day; that’s true even when playing the Pokémon TCG. That’s because this gold Snorlax card has an ability named Gormandize; a word which I’d never heard before and assumed was made up by The Pokémon Company. Which is actually not the case; gormandize is a real word, which means to overeat, or to eat greedily or gluttonously. Who knew?
7. Energy Recycler – Forbidden Light, 143/131
Though similar cards did exist before, such as Energy Recycle System and even an Energy card called Recycle Energy – the Energy Recycler card as we know it was only introduced in 2015 set Ancient Origins. This gold version of the card is from 2018 set Forbidden Light, and it’s been holding its value for a good few years now!
6. Ultra Necrozma GX – Dragon Majesty, 78/70
An Ultra Beast card from the 2017 Dragon Majesty set, Ultra Necrozma GX was an impressive card in its day. It isn’t the competitive powerhouse that it once was, but its value has risen perhaps due to a resurgence of interest in Ultra Beasts, which we haven’t seen for a while in Pokémon!
5. Escape Rope – Burning Shadows, 163/147
A perennially popular card that pops up in so many decks even now is Escape Rope, which allows players to force their opponent to switch the Pokémon in their Active Spot with one on their Bench, before switching their own Pokémon over. Though it’s not an expensive card to get hold of in other forms, this gold variant from 2017 set Burning Shadows is definitely the one that players are most keen to get their hands on.
4. Rare Candy – Plasma Blast, 105/101
The rise of Pokémon V cards, which are classed as Basic Pokémon, even when they represent evolved forms, has seen Rare Candy drift in and out of popularity in recent years. In any case, Rare Candy’s current popularity is a big reason why the gold variant, from 2013 set Plasma Blast, is here. It’s still pretty amazing to see this particular variant command such high prices, particularly as Rare Candy appears in countless sets, even in gold card form in much more recent releases.
3. Zekrom – Legendary Treasures, 115/113
The second gold card ever in the Pokémon TCG, Zekrom is in a similar position to Reshiram. When you use Bolt Strike, Zekrom deals 40 HP damage to itself. Which means you won’t be using it often! Zekrom isn’t a card that will necessarily see play these days, but its gold card variant is certainly holding fast in terms of its value.
2. Reshiram – Legendary Treasures, 114/113
It’s perhaps no surprise to see the very first gold Pokémon card (at least sequentially!) on this list. This Reshiram card was released as part of the Legendary Treasures set in 2013. A Fire type Pokémon, Reshiram only has 130 HP, which is pretty low by contemporary standards, given that the game is currently dominated by ex and V Pokémon with 200 HP and up, reaching way over 300 HP in many cases. Given the power creep of attacks, HP and abilities in the decade since this Reshiram card was introduced, it’s definitely not a Pokémon that feels particularly competitive any more.
1. Ultra Ball – Plasma Freeze, 122/116
Since appearing in the Dark Explorers set in 2012, Ultra Ball has appeared many more times in subsequent Pokémon TCG releases. It’s an incredibly useful card, as it allows you to search your deck for any Pokemon, then put it in your hand. This Gold version of Ultra Ball sells for a pretty amazing price, though this perhaps seems highly unusual, considering how many variants of the card are available for a much lower cost.
Check out our guide to the most valuable Pokémon cards overall, and our comprehensive Parents Guide to the Pokémon TCG!
