The 10 Most Expensive Cards in POP Series 1

Tyranitar ex (#17) is an absolute titan of the POP Series 1 set, commanding a price of $108.22 due to its killer combination of competitive strength and collector’s allure. It’s not just a powerful card; it’s also a beautiful piece of art that features Tyranitar in a striking pose, illustrated by none other than the legendary artist, Masakazu Fukuda. Its holofoil design illuminates Tyranitar’s fierce expression and rugged details, making it a visual feast for fans. This card sees play in various deck archetypes, especially in those that capitalize on Dark-type strategies. Given its ability to dish out serious damage, it’s been a staple in competitive play. Historically, the price of this card has been climbing steadily as more players and collectors discover its significance, making it a long-term hold rather than just a flash in the pan. Pull rates for this card are low, adding to its desirability; finding it in a pack feels like winning the lottery. Ultimately, having Tyranitar ex in your collection feels like owning a piece of Pokémon royalty — it’s not just a card; it’s a legacy.

Rayquaza (#3) is an iconic Pokémon, and its presence in the POP Series 1 set gives it an elevated status in the market, valued at $58.01. The artwork is stellar, showcasing Rayquaza soaring through a stormy sky, a design by the talented Kagemaru Himeno. This card captures the essence of Rayquaza’s majesty and power, which fans adore. While it may not be the most competitive card on paper, it certainly has its moments in specific meta decks that can take advantage of its unique abilities. In terms of market trends, the price of this card has fluctuated but has recently seen a resurgence due to nostalgic collectors re-entering the game. Pull rates for Rayquaza are moderately challenging, making it a sought-after card. For those of us who grew up watching Rayquaza dominate the skies in the games, this card is more than just a collectible; it’s a reminder of those epic moments. While #1 may be the chase card, Rayquaza is still a heavyweight contender, both in battles and in value.

Armaldo ex (#16) is often overshadowed by its flashier counterparts but rings in at a respectable $46.75. The artwork is a blend of menacing and majestic, with Armaldo poised in an action shot that really captures its rock-hard spirit — kudos to the artist, who brings this Bug/Rock-type to life. Competitively, this card has made its mark in various rogue decks, but it’s more of a collector's piece than a staple in high-tournament play. Its historical price trajectory has been interesting; while it was once fairly accessible, the increasing rarity has sent prices upward, especially among dedicated collectors. Pull rates haven’t been disclosed as widely, but let’s just say that if you find one, be prepared to celebrate; it’s not exactly a common occurrence. This card embodies the underdog spirit of the Pokémon world — often underestimated but a gem for those who truly appreciate its uniqueness.

Murkrow (#8) may be a lowly Uncommon card, but it still packs a punch with a current market value of $17.75. The artwork features Murkrow in an evocative nighttime setting, illustrating its mischievous nature and charm. While it might not be the most competitive card, it can serve as a fun addition to decks that appreciate its Dark typing. Interestingly, its price has seen a steady rise, likely helped by nostalgia and the rise of Dark-type strategies in the TCG community. Pull rates for Murkrow are relatively decent, making it accessible for casual collectors who want to fill out their sets without breaking the bank. In a world full of Legendary Pokémon, Murkrow is like that quirky indie band that you secretly love — it may not be in the spotlight, but it has a devoted following and its value is only going up from here.

Sceptile (#4) rounds out the top five with a price tag of $17.62, showcasing the grass-type dynamo on a beautifully illustrated card that radiates energy and life. The artwork, created by the talented artist, showcases Sceptile’s speed and agility, which are core attributes of this Pokémon. In terms of competitive relevance, Sceptile does see some play, particularly in decks focused on Grass-type strategies or energy acceleration. Pricewise, it has remained stable, finding a solid footing in the collector's market. Pull rates for Sceptile are moderate, meaning while you’re not fishing for a needle in a haystack, you’re also not guaranteed to snag one every time you dive into a pack. This card feels like the reliable friend who always has your back — it may not be the flashiest, but you can count on it being there when you need it in your collection.

Pupitar (#9) comes in at a humble $10.83 but really shines in its artwork that captures the evolutionary essence of this Rock-type Pokémon. The illustration feels dynamic, emphasizing its potential to evolve into the formidable Tyranitar. While not a competitive powerhouse, Pupitar can serve utility in certain decks or as a stepping stone for building up stronger plays. Its price has shown slight fluctuations, but it’s generally accessible for those looking to fill their sets without spending a fortune. Pull rates are reasonable, so collectors shouldn’t fret too much about tracking it down. Think of Pupitar as that underrated sidekick in an action movie; might not be the star, but it’s crucial for the hero’s journey, and collectors know it’s a piece of the puzzle.

Torkoal (#10) is the unsung hero of the set, sitting at a value of $10.60. The artwork features Torkoal basking in the sun, creating a warm and inviting vibe that just screams good vibes. Despite being an Uncommon, it has a certain charm that appeals to fans, even if it doesn’t see much play competitively. Its price has remained fairly stable, appealing to both casual collectors and players alike. Pull rates are friendly, making it easy to snag for those looking to bolster their collections. When you collect Torkoal, it’s like keeping a cute pet rock that brings joy to your deck without doing much heavy lifting. It’s all about aesthetic value and nostalgia here.

Blaziken (#1) is a fan-favorite that carries a cool, retro vibe and a price tag of $9.74. The artwork shows Blaziken in a flurry of fiery action, perfectly embodying its Fire-type energy, courtesy of the illustrator, Akinori Yoshida. In competitive play, Blaziken has had its moments in Fire decks, making it a card that some casual players keep in their rotation. The price has seen some ups and downs, but it generally stays within reach for collectors. Pull rates are decent, meaning you won't need to sell your soul to get one. Blaziken feels like a nostalgic flashback to the early days of Pokémon battles — you can’t help but appreciate its brilliance, even if it’s not at the top of the competitive scene anymore.

Swampert (#5) is valued at $8.68, making it an appealing card for those looking to grab a solid addition to their collection. The artwork captures Swampert's amphibious nature beautifully, showcasing its powerful physique in action. While it doesn’t dominate the competitive landscape, it has its niche within Water-type decks, making it an interesting card for those exploring diverse deck-building options. The price has shown stability, which is a good sign for collectors. Pull rates are fairly standard, ensuring that while you’re not rolling in them, you should have a decent shot at finding one. Swampert stands as a reminder that not every card has to be the star of the show; sometimes, it’s the dependable sidekick that rounds out your collection nicely.

Beautifly (#6) may only be valued at $7.78, but don’t underestimate this Uncommon card’s charm. The artwork features Beautifly in a lovely floral setting, and it’s just a downright pretty card. While it rarely sees competitive play, it holds nostalgic value for collectors who appreciate its beauty and charm. The price has seen slight fluctuations but generally remains stable, appealing to those who want to fill out their collections without breaking the bank. Pull rates are quite friendly, making it a rewarding find in packs. If Beautifly were a character in a movie, it’d be the whimsical sidekick who brings a little magic to the story, and in the world of Pokémon collecting, that’s worth something too.