Pokémon Classic Collection Cards made their return in 2021 with the special 25th Anniversary Celebrations set. This mini-subset, known simply as the Classic Collection, reprinted some of the most iconic and collectible cards from Pokémon history. Each reprint stayed faithful to the original artwork and layout while adding the anniversary stamp, making them instantly recognizable.
Collectors often turn to the first printings of these cards to gauge long-term value, especially when graded in PSA 10 condition. From early Base Set staples to Neo-era stars and even Prime and EX era cards, the selection covers a wide spectrum of the game’s history. Let’s go through each card, noting the original release and which ones stand out as the most desirable when perfectly graded.
23. Donphan (Prime) #107/123 HeartGold SoulSilver
Donphan Prime debuted in the HeartGold SoulSilver expansion in 2010, showcasing the unique Prime card design with a close-up portrait style. Known for its competitive play during its era, this card gained recognition for both its strength and striking artwork. PSA 10 copies of Donphan Prime remain moderately valuable since it isn’t as old as others in the Classic Collection. Still, it holds nostalgic weight as one of the few Prime reprints in Celebrations.
22. Mewtwo EX #54/113 Legendary Treasures
The Mewtwo EX chosen for Celebrations came from the Black & White: Legendary Treasures set, which released in 2013. Featuring bold EX-era styling, this version of Mewtwo wasn’t the first EX ever printed but quickly became a fan favorite. Collectors appreciate the blend of modern holo design with a classic character. A PSA 10 of this card carries decent demand, though older Mewtwo prints remain more valuable.
21. Cleffa #020/111 Neo Genesis
Cleffa from Neo Genesis (2000) was a staple in competitive play, remembered for its “Eeeeeeek” attack that fueled early game setups. Its adorable artwork by Ken Sugimori made it a collector favorite, and Neo Genesis itself is one of the toughest sets to grade. High-grade copies can be quite desirable due to print quality issues with Neo-era cards. This makes Cleffa a surprisingly valuable part of the Classic Collection lineup.
20. Umbreon Star #017 POP Series 5
Originally released in POP Series 5 (2007), Umbreon Star is one of the crown jewels of the Pokémon TCG. Gold star Pokémon were notoriously difficult to pull, making them highly sought after even before grading. PSA 10 copies are extremely rare and carry significant value. For many collectors, Umbreon Star is among the top highlights of the Classic Collection.
19. M Rayquaza EX #76 XY – Roaring Skies
Rayquaza EX appeared in Roaring Skies (2015), a set famous for its competitive impact and chase cards. The Mega Evolution mechanic gave the artwork an oversized, dynamic look that still impresses collectors today. While not as vintage as others on this list, it remains a fan-favorite dragon Pokémon with strong grading appeal. PSA 10s fetch healthy interest thanks to the popularity of both Rayquaza and the Roaring Skies era.
18. Venusaur #015/102 Base Set (Shadowless)
Venusaur from the 1999 Base Set was one of the original trio of holo starters. The shadowless version, printed before the card frame was adjusted, is especially collectible. While overshadowed by Charizard, Venusaur still commands strong attention in high grades. For nostalgic collectors, a PSA 10 Venusaur shadowless remains a grail card.
17. Rocket’s Admin. #86/109 Team Rocket Returns
Released in 2004’s Team Rocket Returns, Rocket’s Admin. is remembered as one of the most impactful Trainer cards of its era. Its competitive history boosts collector demand, as it shaped deck strategies for years. Team Rocket Returns itself is an expensive and low-print set, making mint copies hard to secure. Graded 10s are notably sought after by collectors who appreciate the EX era.
16. Garchomp C LV.X #145 Supreme Victorsa
This card was introduced in Supreme Victors (2009), representing the LV.X mechanic tied to the Sinnoh era. With Cynthia prominently featured alongside Garchomp, the artwork carries both character and Pokémon appeal. Supreme Victors is considered a challenging set to grade, boosting value in top condition. Garchomp C LV.X is a fan-favorite choice from the Diamond & Pearl generation.
15. Impostor Professor Oak #073/102 Base Set (Shadowless)
The quirky Impostor Professor Oak hails from the original Base Set, with its shadowless printing being the most collectible. As one of the earliest Trainer cards to disrupt opponents, it holds a special place in TCG history. Its playful theme and classic artwork make it a standout among collectors. PSA 10 shadowless copies carry decent value, especially for vintage trainer enthusiasts.
14. Luxray GL LV.X #109/111 Rising Rivals
Luxray GL LV.X came from Rising Rivals in 2009 and was infamous in the competitive scene for its dominance. Many consider it one of the strongest LV.X cards ever printed, which boosted its reputation. The card is tied to the Sinnoh Gym Leaders, adding to its character-driven appeal. PSA 10 examples are valued thanks to both nostalgia and playability history.
13. Dark Gyarados #08/82 Team Rocket
Dark Gyarados was part of the Team Rocket set in 2000, featuring the iconic “Dark” theme that reshaped Pokémon card aesthetics. Its menacing look and holo treatment helped establish Gyarados as a fan favorite. While it was overshadowed by other holos in the set, collectors prize mint condition copies. A PSA 10 Dark Gyarados shadowless edition stands out as a worthy piece for vintage collections.
12. Blastoise #002/102 Base Set (Shadowless)
Blastoise from the shadowless Base Set is one of the original holy grails of Pokémon collecting. Known as the cover Pokémon for the first Pokémon TCG video game, it has always been highly sought after. High-grade copies are scarce due to age and print quality. In PSA 10, Blastoise remains one of the top-tier classic cards.
11. Gardevoir ex (Delta Species) #93/101 Dragon Frontiers
Dragon Frontiers (2006) introduced Delta Species cards, with Gardevoir ex as one of the standout holos. Its unique Psychic and Fire typing made it both collectible and memorable in gameplay. Dragon Frontiers booster packs are notoriously expensive, pushing values higher for graded singles. A PSA 10 Gardevoir ex (Delta Species) is a true EX-era prize.
10. ___’s Pikachu #24/53
Known as “Birthday Pikachu,” this card was originally released in 2001 as a promo in Japan and later distributed in English. Collectors remember filling in their name on the blank line, making unmarked mint copies rare. The combination of nostalgia and Pikachu’s mascot status makes it highly collectible. PSA 10s are prized because so many original cards were written on or damaged.
9. Reshiram #113/114 Black & White
Reshiram debuted in the Black & White set in 2011, featuring a full-art holo design that stood out as revolutionary at the time. Its shimmering texture gave the impression of fire and energy bursting from the artwork. Collectors value it for being one of the first full-art Pokémon cards ever printed. High-grade copies continue to see steady collector demand.
8. Zekrom #114/114 Black & White
Zekrom joined Reshiram in the same set, giving players and collectors a matching legendary counterpart. Its striking black-and-silver holo design made it an instant fan favorite. Like Reshiram, it marked the beginning of full-art cards that reshaped the hobby. PSA 10s are sought after by collectors of legendary Pokémon and full-art pioneers.
7. Here Comes Team Rocket! #15/82 Team Rocket
This Trainer card appeared in the Team Rocket set, showcasing the infamous trio in the TCG. It was one of the earliest cards to feature recognizable anime characters. Collectors appreciate the unique crossover of TCG and television nostalgia. Graded 10s remain popular among vintage enthusiasts.
6. Rocket’s Zapdos #015/132 Gym Challenge
Rocket’s Zapdos was printed in the Gym Challenge expansion (2000), which featured Team Rocket’s versions of powerful Pokémon. The holo artwork highlights a darker, edgier version of Zapdos under Team Rocket’s control. Gym Challenge has long been a favorite among collectors, making mint copies scarce. PSA 10s are highly valued thanks to the card’s vintage appeal.
5. Team Magma’s Groudon #9/95 Team Magma vs Team Aqua
Released in 2004, this card represented the unique villain-themed set Team Magma vs Team Aqua. Groudon’s menacing artwork tied directly to the Hoenn video games, boosting its nostalgia factor. The set was a niche release, printed in relatively small numbers. PSA 10 copies stand out as highly collectible due to both rarity and uniqueness.
4. Mew ex #88/92 Legend Maker
Mew ex appeared in Legend Maker (2006), one of the most challenging EX series sets to collect. With playful artwork and a strong competitive presence, it became an instant chase card. The EX era already carries high grading premiums, making Mew ex especially desirable. A PSA 10 remains one of the most cherished Classic Collection cards.
3. Pikachu (Red Cheeks) #058/102 Base Set (Shadowless)
The red-cheeked Pikachu is a Base Set variant from 1999 that quickly became iconic. Shadowless copies are the most collectible, as they represent the earliest print runs. This Pikachu is beloved for its simple yet nostalgic artwork. PSA 10s are scarce, making them among the most chased vintage Pikachu cards.
2. Shining Magikarp #66/64 Neo Revelation
Shining Magikarp, from Neo Revelation (2001), introduced collectors to Shining Pokémon. With its golden artwork, it became one of the earliest alternate-color Pokémon cards ever printed. Pull rates were extremely low, and grading difficulty adds to its rarity. PSA 10 examples are highly coveted, often ranking as a centerpiece of Neo-era collections.
1. Charizard #004/102 Base Set (Shadowless)
The shadowless Base Set Charizard is widely considered the most famous Pokémon card of all time. Released in 1999, its fiery artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita defined the early TCG experience. High-grade copies are exceptionally scarce, especially in PSA 10. To this day, it remains the crown jewel of the Classic Collection and a centerpiece in Pokémon collecting.
The Pokémon Classic Collection highlights just how deep and diverse the hobby has become over the past 25 years. Each reprint in Celebrations gave players and collectors a chance to relive iconic moments from different eras, while the original printings remain the ultimate goal for serious investors. High-grade PSA 10 copies carry lasting value because of their rarity, condition, and historical significance.
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