Top Five Gold Rare Pokemon Cards

Gold cards classified as '’secret rare' with an embossed gold holofoil finish debuted in 2013 as part of the Black & White Legendary Treasures set. Rarity and demand for each card can vary drastically, ranging from modest amounts to thousands of dollars—especially when popular Pokémon like Pikachu and Charizard are involved.

With over 225 Gold Pokémon cards and numerous sets to sift through, we've taken the hassle out of catching ‘em all by hand-picking five rare Pokémon cards that’ll make your collection shine and potentially yield future profits.

What's all the buzz about gold Pokémon cards, you ask? Well, these dazzling collectibles stand out in the Pokémon trading card game, featuring various characters adorned with their stats, skills, and other game deets. Their rarity, unique design, and limited availability skyrockets demand among collectors.

While standard gold and 90s metal promo cards fetch under $100, the ultra-rare real gold cards can score thousands or even tens of thousands. Fancy owning a pricey Pikachu Illustrator or a swanky Shadowless Charizard?

Better check that condition and rarity because these trading cards can sell for nearly half a million big ones. Get ready to flex that glitzy gold collection because rarity and condition are the name of the game.

For serious Pokémon fans, gold rare cards are the apex of collecting—from their impressive artwork to their high sale prices and value. If you want to add some pizzazz to your deck, check out the top five gold rare Pokemon cards you should consider.

From ultra-powerful Ultra Prism Solgaleo GX #173 to the stylish and rare Umbreon-Gold Star #17, to the majestic Pikachu-Holo #104, and the amazing Ultra Ball from Plasma Freeze #122, these cards are some of the most coveted treasures in the Pokémon universe.

1. Full Art Solgaleo GX Secret #173

• Price Range: $15 to $100
• Highest Sale Price: $2,288
• PSA 10 Supply: 280
• Type: Ultra Prism

Solgaleo GX #173, one of the few popular Pokémon from the Sun & Moon generation, is a mythic lion that exudes power and majesty. Its Ultra Road ability and Sunsteel Strike attack make it a formidable addition to any deck.

With sale prices ranging from $15 to $100. Its highest sale price reached an impressive $2,288, making it a popular consideration for collectors and competitive players.

2. Fairy Energy Burning Shadows #169

• Price Range: $39 to $125
• Highest Sale Price: $300
• PSA 10 Supply: 83
• Type: Burning Shadows

The Gold Rare Fairy Energy #169 from Burning Shadows has long been a favorite of collectors and competitive players. Recent auction sales have revealed prices ranging from $42 for a PSA-9 to $173 for a PSA 10.

The highest sale price for this card was an astonishing  $300, and its PSA 10 supply of 83 makes this scarce enough for collectors to want it. Fairy Energy cards are an undoubtedly rare part of Pokemon TCG's history.

3. Ultra Ball Plasma Freeze #122

• Price Range: $77 to $450
• Highest Sale Price: $510
• Supply: 22
• Type: Plasma Freeze

The Ultra Ball from Plasma Freeze #122 is a very sought-after Gold Rare Pokémon card, with recent sales values ranging from $77 to $310. The highest recorded sale for this card was for a whopping $510, and it’s estimated that only 22 copies are graded at least a PSA 10.

If you want to flex your luck, veteran status, or resources, adding this card to your arsenal might be a way to do so.

4. Energy Recycler Forbidden Light #143

• Price Range: $13 to $60
• Highest Sale Price: $150
• Supply: 57
• Type: Forbidden Light

Energy Recycler Forbidden Light #143 is essential to any high-powered Pokémon deck. Priced from $13 to $60, the card fetched an all-time high of $150 in March 2021.

5. Rare Candy Plasma Blast #105

• Price Range: $15 to $300
• Highest Sale Price: $177
• PSA 10 Supply: 24
• Type: Plasma Blast

This Rare Candy Plasma Blast #105 has once again become a sought-after card due to its ability to quickly and consistently get players to their primary attackers faster.

With a PSA 10 supply of 24 and prices peaking at $177, it has become a desirable staple in competitive decks. A PSA 8-graded card last sold for $36 in January 2023, and a PSA 9 fetched $61 in the most recent sale on February 18, 2022. This indicated that the 2013 Rare Candy trainer card might be a worthwhile investment for players seeking an edge over their opponents.

Investing in gold Pokémon cards can be rewarding when focusing on rare and valuable cards. For example, Logan Paul buying a Pikachu Illustrator for $5 million, and the six-figure price tag of the Shadowless First Edition Charizard Holographic underline the investment potential of Pokémon cards.

Investing in rare and sought-after gold Pokémon cards can be profitable with the proper knowledge and strategy. However, it's crucial to carefully consider the risks and rewards and understand the factors—like rarity, card condition, and supply and demand—that make gold Pokémon cards valuable before making such investments.