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By: Breanne Eiswerth
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- Last Updated: December 3, 2023
There are a number of things that go into consideration when chasing a specific card. Most Trainers factor in strength, strategy, artwork, and value.
The meta was shaken by what 2023 had to offer. Dynamite ex Pokemon, the OG 151, and Ancient and Future capabilities have resulted in a plethora of valuable cards. Illustration Rares are looking better than ever, and the Pokemon TCG community was ready for it.
Were you chasing any of these cards? If not, you might want to reconsider.
10. Tyranitar ex (211/197)
A little eye candy!
Don’t let the price discourage you. Just because a card isn’t worth $100, doesn’t mean it’s not worth the chase.
Tyranitar ex is one of the most gorgeous we’ve seen this year. Fans are loving the dazzling diamond-like illustrations, and there are a few other cards that feature this style of artwork.
This is an Ultra Rare pulled from Obsidian Flames and is worth about $5.
9. Deoxys VSTAR (GG46/GG70)
Ah, the first from the Galarian Gallery.
Crown Zenith offered the Galarian Gallery to bring more detail and perspective to our favorite Pokemon. Deoxys VSTAR is a great example of what to expect from this subset. It’s almost like the Pokemon is controlling space with its psychokinetic abilities!
Another affordable Ultra Rare with the potential to grow in value. A single of Deoxys VSTAR is currently only $13.
8. Boss’s Orders (265/193)
Who’s the Boss?
You might not remember since it’s been a while since Pokemon X & Y, but this is Lysandre. He’s the boss of Team Flare, and the proud owner of Lysandre Labs. In the TCG he acts as a Supporter where you will be able to switch a Benched Pokemon to the Active position.
Boss’s Orders is a Special illustration from Paldea Evolved. This card is goes for about $15.
7. Miriam (251/198)
Hopefully you didn’t pre-order…
The Miriam hype was out of control to say the least. People were paying close to $300 before its official release, only to be shocked by the current value. It doesn’t mean this card won’t rise again, and it doesn’t mean it will be a loss forever. As time goes on, it’s very possible we will see an increase in value for Miriam.
This card was featured as a Special Illustration Rare in the Scarlet & Violet Base Set, and singles are going for $32.
6. Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR (GG68/GG70)
What makes Origin Forme any different?
Pokemon appear differently in their own realm than they do in ours. Dialga is the controller of time and was much different in the ancient past. Origin Forme simply shows the Pokemon at its most raw and unaltered state.
This is the first Secret Rare of the list, and another from the Galarian Gallery. Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR can be pulled from Crown Zenith or purchased alone for $35.
5. Venusaur ex (198/165)
This one speaks for itself.
The way Venusaur is sitting in its own tranquil forest, flowing with lush greenery and vibrant flowers is reminiscent of its healing powers. This card really takes you right there with the Pokemon.
With a whopping 340 HP, Venusaur ex plays defense as well, if not better than it plays offense. This Special Illustration Rare was in the Scarlet & Violet 151, and is currently worth $44.
4. Blastoise ex (200/165)
How many cannons should a turtle have?
For Blastoise, two is a good number.
Scarlet & Violet 151 has an awesome little Easter egg! When you put all of a Pokemon’s evolutions together, the illustrations tell a story of how they got there. For example, Squirtle from 151 is standing on a shore line staring out into the ocean, Wartortle is swimming near the surface, and Blastoixe ex is completely submerged in the dark watery abyss.
This Special Illustration Rare Blastoise ex is worth $51.
3. Charizard ex (223/197)
Arguably the most chased.
Many people bought Obsidian Flames for the sole purpose of trying their luck at this Charizard. This was another card that was extremely overvalued prior to its release, but it is gorgeous. It’s easy to see why someone wouldn’t mind paying top dollar.
The famous Obsidian Flames Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare is worth $55.
2. Magikarp (203/193)
If it hops over the waterfall, it gets to be a dragon!
Chinese Folklore tells of a Dragon Gate with a consecrated waterfall. If a carp can clear that waterfall with a massive jump, it gets to become a dragon. Definitely makes you question how much you really know about Magikarp. This illustration looks just like one of those rainbow scratch papers!
Any 90’s babies out there remember those?
Staying on track, this Magikarp Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved is worth $61.
1. Iono (269/193)
High hopes!
Iono is a Supporter that was also worth almost $200 before its release. The whole Miriam debacle might have been forgotten, but Iono is another great example of a stunning card that just didn’t live up to the hype. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great card and valuable, but it’s important to let those prices level out before purchasing singles.
Iono is still chased, even more so now that she is affordable and predictable. This Paldea Evolved Special Illustration Rare is valued around $84.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed our list of Top 10 Pokemon Chase Cards From 2023. We all have our own list of chase cards we’re after. If you were able to pull one or more of yours, Congratulations!
