What is the Value of Topps TV Animation Edition Pokemon Cards? Exploring Rare Collectibles
Although not always highly valued upon their initial release, Topps Pokémon Cards can command significant prices in the current collector’s market. In fact, some incredibly rare variants have fetched thousands of dollars at auction, positioning them as valuable entertainment collectibles.
This article delves into the most expensive and sought-after cards among Topps collectors, focusing specifically on those from various Topps sets, including the TV Animation Edition. As one might expect, characters like Charizard and Pikachu dominate the list due to their immense popularity. To understand their value, let’s first look at some key facts about Topps Pokémon Cards. pokemon tv animation edition series 2
Interesting Facts About Topps Pokémon Cards
- There are a total of 11 main Topps Pokémon Card sets.
- The first set was released in 1999, and the final one in 2004.
- The most valuable Topps Pokémon Cards frequently originate from two special release sets from 2000: Pokémon Chrome Trading Cards Series 1 & 2.
- This high value is largely attributed to the random insertion of rare Spectra-Chrome, Sparkle-Chrome, and Tekno-Chrome cards within these sets.
- The typical pull rate for a Spectra-Chrome card was approximately 1 in every 2 packs.
- Sparkle-Chrome cards were even rarer, with an estimated pull rate of 1 in every 10 packs.
- The absolute rarest were the Tekno-Chrome cards, boasting a difficult pull rate of roughly 1 in every 15 packs.
- Beyond the Chrome sets, other Topps series, including those based on the TV Animation, featured a variety of unique card types such as die-cut embossed cards, animation stick-on cards, clear cards, puzzle cards, TV episode cards, sticker cards, film frame cards, and first appearance hologram cards.
- Vintage Topps Pokémon Cards from unopened packs have a tendency to stick together, making it particularly challenging to achieve high grades when submitted for professional grading. This is a caution for those buying sealed vintage packs, but it also contributes to the value of high-grade cards already in circulation as their population reports don’t increase dramatically over time.
Understanding the different sets and card types helps explain why certain cards on the following list achieve such remarkable values.
Let’s explore some of the most valuable Topps Pokémon cards, including notable examples from the TV Animation series.
Most Valuable Topps Pokémon Cards
1. 2000 Pokemon Topps Chrome Series 1 Tekno Charizard #6
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $60,000
Leading the list as arguably the most expensive Topps Pokémon Card recorded is the Tekno Charizard. Given the challenging 1-in-15 pack pull rate for Tekno cards, obtaining a Charizard and then achieving a perfect PSA 10 grade is exceptionally rare. Only 7 copies of this specific card have ever been graded Gem Mint, contributing significantly to its impressive $60,000 sale price.
2. 2000 Pokemon Topps Chrome Series 1 Sparkle Charizard #6
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $38,400
Another incredibly rare and desirable card from the Chrome Series 1 is the Sparkle Charizard. Achieving a PSA 10 grade for this card is also difficult, with only 22 copies currently holding that distinction. This particular example fetched a high price in 2021, underscoring the demand for top-graded Sparkle variants.
2000 Topps Chrome Series 1 Sparkle Charizard Pokemon card, PSA 10
3. 2000 Topps Chrome Pokemon TV Spectra Charizard #6
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $9,650
The Spectra variant of the 2000 Topps Chrome Charizard is another highly sought-after version. While not as scarce in PSA 10 as the Tekno or Sparkle variants, only 45 copies have attained this grade, making this $9,650 sale a strong indicator of its value.
4. 1999 Topps Pokemon TV Foil Charizard #6
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $4,320
This clear-appearance Charizard card hails from the very first Topps Pokémon set released in 1999, part of the initial TV Animation releases. It’s relatively rare in high grades, with only 48 known PSA 10 copies, leading to strong performance at auction like this $4,320 sale.
1999 Topps Pokemon TV Foil Charizard card, PSA 10
5. 2000 Pokemon Topps Chrome Series 1 Tekno Pikachu #25
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $3,500
While Charizard often takes the top spots, Pikachu is a fan favorite and its rare Topps cards are also valuable. The Tekno variant from the 2000 Chrome Series 1 is the most valuable Topps Pikachu card identified here, with a tiny population of only 6 PSA 10 copies.
6. 2000 Pokemon Topps Chrome Series 1 Sparkle Pikachu #25
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $3,500
Matching the Tekno version’s price in a recent sale, the Sparkle Pikachu from the same 2000 Chrome Series 1 is also exceptionally rare in top condition. With only 8 PSA 10 copies known, its vibrant sparkle effect combined with its rarity makes it highly desirable for collectors.
2000 Topps Chrome Series 1 Sparkle Pikachu Pokemon card, PSA 10
7. 2000 Topps Pokemon The Movie 2000 First Appearance Foil Lugia #1
PSA 7 Recently Sold for $3,000
This card stands out on the list not only for featuring Lugia but also because its listed sale price is for a PSA 7 grade, whereas most others are PSA 10s. The reason for its high value even at a lower grade is its extreme rarity. Part of the Pokémon: The Movie 2000 set, these ‘First Appearance’ cards were rumored to have very low pull rates (possibly 1 in every 2 boxes for any of the six), making a specific character like Lugia even harder to find. Combined with lower overall print runs compared to other card manufacturers at the time, this results in a very low population of graded examples (only 81 total graded copies exist, with the highest being a PSA 9).
8. 2000 Pokemon Topps Chrome Series 1 Tekno Blastoise #9
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $3,000
Breaking the dominance of Charizard and Pikachu on the Chrome list, the Tekno Blastoise demonstrates that other iconic first-generation starters also command high values. This impressive card is one of only 5 known copies graded PSA 10, reflecting its scarcity in perfect condition.
9. 1999 Topps Pokemon The Movie Edition Die-Cut Charizard #6
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $1,920
These Die-Cut cards from the 1999 Movie Edition set feature a unique shape where the character is cut out from the background. While the aesthetic might not appeal to all collectors, their uniqueness and the difficulty in finding them in pristine PSA 10 condition contribute to values approaching $2,000 for popular characters like Charizard.
10. 2000 Topps Pokemon TV Animation Series 3 Pop-Up Charizard #9
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $1,358
Part of the 2000 Topps Pokemon TV Animation Series 3 set, these Pop-Up cards feature characters that can be detached slightly and folded to stand up. Despite the potential for damage due to their design, achieving a PSA 10 grade is possible and results in significant value, as seen with this Charizard card. They represent a unique interactive element within the TV Animation Edition releases.
2000 Topps Pokemon TV Animation Series 3 Pop-Up Charizard card, PSA 10
11. 2000 Topps Pokemon TV Animation Series 2 Stick-Ons Pikachu #8
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $1,000
Another distinct type of card from the TV Animation releases are the Stick-Ons. This Pikachu card from the 2000 Topps Pokemon TV Animation Series 2 set features an animation layer that can be peeled off as a sticker. Finding these cards with the sticker intact and in perfect PSA 10 condition is challenging, contributing to their value, exemplified by this $1,000 sale for the popular Pikachu character.
12. 2004 Topps Pokemon Advanced Challenge Evolution Die-Cut Charizard
PSA 10 Recently Sold for $765
Later Topps sets also included Die-Cut cards. This Charizard from the 2004 Advanced Challenge set is part of a puzzle that can be assembled with its pre-evolutions, Charmander and Charmeleon. While not reaching the values of the vintage Chrome cards, top-graded examples of these later, unique cards still hold value for collectors.
2004 Topps Pokemon Advanced Challenge Evolution Die-Cut Charizard card, PSA 10
13. 2000 Topps Pokemon TV Animation Clear Cards Charizard #PC3
PSA 10 Recently Sold for (Price not specified in original text, imply value exists)
These Clear Cards from the 2000 Topps Pokemon TV Animation set are printed on transparent plastic, giving them a unique appearance. Due to their material, they can sometimes be easier to grade highly compared to traditional cardstock. While a specific sale price wasn’t provided, the fact they are tracked and sold in high grades like PSA 10 indicates they hold value within the collecting community focused on TV Animation Edition sets.
In conclusion, while often overshadowed by the original Wizards of the Coast sets, vintage Topps Pokémon cards, including those from the TV Animation Editions and particularly the rare Chrome variants, possess significant value for collectors. Factors like rarity (pull rates, population counts), condition (PSA grade), and character popularity heavily influence their market price, demonstrating that these cards are indeed sought-after entertainment collectibles.
