Very few sets in thePokemon TCGhighlight the premier Pokemon from its generation as beautifully as Emerald. These Pokemon from the Hoenn region might not have all garnered attention individually, but as a collective, the group features an incredibly diverse roster of Legendary and non-Legendary Pokemon.
While some ofthe most expensive vintage setsexceed the value of the cards in Emerald, this set puts up an impressive fight, as it boasts several expensive cards that could each warrant being called the set’s chase card. From its high-flying Rayquaza card to some often-forgotten hidden gems, Emerald earns its title as one ofthe most valuable EX-era sets.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGPlayerMarket Price,which you might pay on average for a copy of the cards below.
Given the age and rarity of these cards,onlythose with anestablished market price on TCGplayerare included.
However,sale prices differ depending on the card’s condition,so this market price is just a rough idea of the card’s value.
10Camerupt Ex (Ultra Rare) – $45.61
Ready To Explode
You might not have expected to see Camerupt featured among the top cards in any set, but it offers an impressive illustration that perfectly captures its explosive personality and fiery accents. Camerupt’s visually distinct card flauntsan unusually vibrant depictionof this forgotten Fire-type Pokemon.
Unfortunately, Camerupt is a difficult card to find, and you might need to compromise depending on the condition you’re looking for, as there aren’t many recent sales across the condition spectrum. However, moderately played(MP)copies typically sell for $22, with lightly played(LP)cards following at roughly $39, with the best near-mint(NM)cardscommanding $46.
9Registeel Ex (Ultra Rare) – $47.00
A Strong Start For The Trio
The Legendary Regi trio is a fascinating set of titans you’ll encounter while scouring the caves in Hoenn, with this card’s dark background serving as a reminder of the dark locations where these Pokemon dwell.
Each Regi features a depiction of them shrouded in shadows, where they reside, slumbering for hundreds of years undisturbed in their caves.
This card can be even more difficult to locate than Camerupt, with MP copies of this card selling for close to $35, followed by LP copies, which only boast sales as high as $36 for now. However,an NM copy sold for $99,helping to boost this card’s market price.
8Rayquaza (Holo Rare) – $58.40
The Exception
Rayquaza stands alone as the only non-ex card to make the most valuable cards in Emerald, breaking the trend of the other valuable cards on the back of Rayquaza’s unrivaled popularity. This artwork is surprisingly detailed considering the relatively small amount of space available, making itan impressive exception to the rule.
Rayquaza dominatesthe most valuable cards in Dragons Exaltedbut can’t repeat the feat in Emerald.
This card’s price ranges from as little as $13 if you’re just looking for a damaged copy, while you’ll pay as much as $63 for an NM copy if you’re only interested in buying the best. However, LP copies offer a nice middle ground along with a significant discount, only selling for about $26. Thereverse holo versionof this card sells for even more, but only has one recent LP sale at $95 andno market price.
7Altaria Ex (Ultra Rare) – $62.00
Whipping Up
Altaria is stirring up quite a buzz with this beautiful action shot featuring this Dragon-type Pokemon surrounded by a whirlwind of its creation.
Unlike the cards that came before, Altaria boasts data for the full range of options, starting with damaged copies at $18.77, with HP copies jumping up to $27. MP cards will hover closer to the $33 range, followed finally by LP at $50 andNM cards selling for as much as $62.
6Regice Ex (Ultra Rare) – $75.19
Losing Its Grip
The second member of the trio stands tall above its peers, boasting a lead of roughly $30 over Regirock, as Regice’s depiction is undoubtedly cooler. The white blotches and blue accents in the background provide the perfect complement to Regice’s cold exterior.
While Regice’s significant lead is impressive, this card falls short of an even higher spot by the slimmest of margins, letting its grip on the top five slip away.
Regice can sell for as much as $100 in NM condition,though you’ll find small discounts for LP cards, which typically sell for closer to $80. Lastly, bargain hunters can expect to pay below $30 if you’re looking for an HP copy.
5Raichu Ex (Ultra Rare) – $76.34
A Rare Raichu Sighting
Raichu carries the torch for Electric-type Pokemon in Emerald, as this valuable card boasts a high price tag, though it can’t compete withthe most valuable Raikou cards, which represent the pinnacle of design and value for many Electric-type Pokemon.
Sadly, Raichu doesn’t manage to equal this art inScarlet and Violet 151, a set dedicated to its region.
Fortunately, this Raichu is arguably the most readily available of the most valuable cards in Emerald, touting a high total number of sales to analyze, starting with damaged copies below the $20 mark. HP and MP copies skyrocket into the $50 range, selling within a few dollars of each other, withNM cards jumping into the $75 range.
4Dusclops Ex (Ultra Rare) – $87.00
Creeping Up
Dusclops ex offers an unusually close view of the Ghost-type Pokemon, zooming in so we can see its single eye glowing red in preparation for something nefarious. Dusclops looks ready to reach out and grab us, but it won’t be as simple if you want to find and buy this card.
Dusclops only boasts two recent sales, an MP copy at $43.75 and an LP at $75, leaving an incredibly wide range of potential values for us to fill in. While it’s clear that an NM copy should exceed $75, it’s hard to say if this card will maintain its $87 market price.
3Regirock Ex (Ultra Rare) – $100.23
A Hidden Gem
Regirock reaches the pinnacle for the trio, managing to hit a triple-digit market price to stand head and shoulders clear of its peers, boasting a value thatalmost equals the other two Pokemon combined.
While it doesn’t quite manage to open up that wide of a lead, it’s impressive nonetheless.
Unlike Dusclops, you’ll find plenty of information about Regirock, as this card trades in a wide range, with HP copies starting around $35 andNM copies soaring as high as the market price on two occasions.
2Milotic Ex (Ultra Rare) – $120.00
Glimmering Beauty
Milotic makes a strong claim as the second most valuable card from Emerald, falling well short of the top spot in terms of value, but still finds itself just one spot away from victory, with a card that deserves high praise.
This card’s range is unbelievably wide, with damaged copies frequently falling below the $40 mark while LP cards routinely exceed the $120 plateau.NMcopies are nearly impossible to get your hands on, with copies selling for$259 to as much as $400.
1Deoxys Ex Speed Forme (Ultra Rare) – $239.99
Surging Into The Stratosphere
Deoxys claims the crown as the most valuable card in Emerald, withone of the best Deoxys cards of all time,depicting this Pokemon rocketing through space in its Speed Forme.
The glimmering holographic pattern provides the perfect background for this mythical Pokemon.
WhileDeoxys doesn’t have a massive list of sales to sort through,its only NM sale sits at the market price, followed by an LP copy that sold for $139.99. There’s no doubt this card is worth a lot in NM condition, but more sales would help to confirm if $239 is an accurate assessment.
