Pikachu is the face of Pokémon, and its cards range from the most expensive card ever made to affordable fan-favorites. Here are the best — with the cheapest raw copy and the cheapest PSA 10 on eBay for each.
1. Pikachu Illustrator (1998 promo)
The most valuable Pokémon card in existence — a 1998 promo awarded to illustration-contest winners, with only a handful in existence. High-grade copies sell for millions.
Note: genuine Illustrators are graded (PSA/CGC) — treat any cheap "raw" listing as a proxy or replica, not the real card.
2. Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare (Surging Sparks)
The headline modern chase — the Pikachu ex SIR from Surging Sparks is one of the most valuable current-era cards and the reason people rip the set. See is it worth it.
3. Van Gogh Pikachu — “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” (2023)
The Pokémon × Van Gogh Museum promo became an instant icon (and a scalping frenzy). One of the most recognizable modern Pikachu cards. See its full value guide.
4. Pikachu VMAX (Vivid Voltage)
The chunky G-Max Pikachu VMAX from Vivid Voltage is a modern fan-favorite and a popular PSA 10 target.
5. Surfing & Flying Pikachu (classic promos)
The classic Surfing and Flying Pikachu promos are beloved vintage-flavored pickups that hold steady value, especially graded.
6. Base Set Pikachu — Red Cheeks (1999)
The original Base Set Pikachu is iconic, and the early "Red Cheeks" variant is the collectible one to look for — far more valuable than the common Yellow Cheeks print.
Raw or PSA 10?
Raw is the affordable way to collect; a PSA 10 commands a major premium and is the real store of value for the grails. For high-value Pikachu, buy graded to remove authenticity risk — see how to spot fakes. Buying raw to grade? Read how to grade and check the grading calculator first.
Surging Sparks (home of the Pikachu ex SIR) sells out fast — catch it at retail with QuickCatch.